Datuk Christina Liew, the state minister for tourism, culture, and the environment, reaffirmed the urgency of Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) improvements.
She expressed her dissatisfaction with the KKIA facilities during a press conference on Monday.
"The government must work to modernize and fix KKIA's infrastructure so that we can legitimately claim the title of being the nation's second busiest airport.
"I predict that 2024 will be a busy year because Sabah will witness increased tourism.
Regarding Liew's suggested takeover of the KKIA management:
Since this concerns policies, I will turn it over to the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
"As the Minister of Tourism, all I can do is inform them of current events." Additionally, I am aware that the Chief Minister is taking action.
She added that Tawau and Sandakan, two more State airports, also require upgrades. Meanwhile, according to Liew, Sabah brought in RM4.6 billion from 2.5 million visitors.
Our goal for 2024 is 2.8 million arrivals, and I believe we can reach it. However, three million arrivals by December of this year is our ultimate target.
"To attract more tourists, the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) needs to work hard. We will be covering more destinations and countries."
She revealed that Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is one of the most recent locations that STB has been considering.
Additionally, she mentioned that the Sabah Convention Bureau will begin operations this year.
Since this industry is crucial, we will aggressively promote Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions).
"Most visitors who come here for forums or meetings stay for one to two weeks, including the few days leading up to and following the event.
"Mice programs will draw prospective travelers and investors in businesses."
According to Liew, the Sabah Malaysia My Second Home (SMM2H) initiative is scheduled to launch by the end of the current year's first quarter.
"We anticipate that more people will be interested in traveling to Sabah to apply for this program once it begins."
"There is always room for improvement," stated Liew in response to the demands made by Federal Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to lower occurrences linked to tourism in Sabah.
officials, particularly at Semporna. A traveler was allegedly robbed even a few days ago as she was making her way back to her hotel. This wasn't supposed to occur.
"We want to preserve our positive reputation, so we call on the police to step up their enforcement to protect our tourists," she stated.