KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Satta) president Datuk Seri Winston Liaw yesterday encouraged foreign investors to invest in the tourism industry in Sabah, including building more hotels.
He said all hotels in Kota Kinabalu were operating at not less than 80 per cent occupancy rate.
“In the next two to three years, our hotel rooms will not be sufficient.
“In fact, there is not enough hotel rooms already due to increasing number of direct flights from China to Kota Kinabalu,” Liaw said during the launching of Asia Pacific Taiji Wushu Convention 2017 here yesterday.
Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai was the guest of honour for the launching of the convention.
Two years ago, Liaw said the east coast of Sabah was perceived as unsafe.
Today, he pointed out that 80 per cent of passengers flying from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau were Chinese tourists.
“Tourists have to make reservations for resort accommodation in Semporna and Tawau two to three months in advance or there will be no rooms left.”
He added that there used to be peak travel seasons for China tourists travelling to Sabah in the past, namely the Chinese New Year festive period and from July to August.
“The peak or non-peak periods for Sabah tourism are becoming less obvious now.
“But hotels in Kota Kinabalu are running at least 80 per cent occupancy rate.”
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