Kota Kinabalu: Semporna district which bore the brunt of security issues following several kidnappings in recent years is slowly gaining back its tourists based on hotel and resort bookings.
Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Ramlee Marahaban said such accommodation are almost fully booked until end of this year.
He said that the district had received an additional 20,000 visitors in February and they aim to draw more tourists during the forthcoming 23rd Semporna Regatta Lepa festival.
The district suffered a tourism decline due to the spate of kidnappings by cross-border militants but security has since being stepped up by Esscom.
He said the programme which will be held from April 22-23, is jointly organised by the Sabah Museum Performing Art Centre, Universiti Malaysia Sabah and State Public Sector Training Institute and will involve 200 participants.
"Among the activities are Lepa Decorated Car Competition, Lepa Parade, Sea Sports competition, and exhibition of Bajau traditional house," he said after paying a courtesy call to Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Monday.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Tourists returning to Semporna
..