Musa Aman: Sabah still a draw for Chinese tourists

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah continues to attract tourists to the state despite recent setbacks, including incidents of kidnapping over the last few years, says Datuk Seri Musa Aman (pic).

The Chief Minister said 33.2% of tourists to the state were from China, adding that there were 79 scheduled flights between the state capital and cities in China every week.

He said 3,500 Chinese tourists would be visiting the state this month alone, with another 1,800 visitors coming next month.

"On behalf of the state government, I bid our guests a warm welcome to Sabah. We are indeed pleased that they have chosen our state as their destination," he said.

Musa said Sabah offers amazing landscapes and a rich culture, where people from different ethnicities live in peace and harmony.

"Our landscapes range from Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South East Asia to the many islands, long sandy white beaches, world-class scuba-diving sites and marine parks like Sipadan, Pulau Tiga, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and many more," he said in a statement on Friday.

He hoped the visitors would have time to enjoy Sabah's lush rainforests which is home to unique wildlife and many species of flora endemic to the state.

"Of course Sabah is famous for its fresh seafood along with local and international cuisines offered in our many restaurants, cafes and hawker stalls," he said.

-thestar online.