Sabah Tourism Board hosts UK travel agents

Travel agents from the United Kingdom were recently treated to a wildlife and cultural adventure in Sabah, courtesy of Malaysia Airlines London and Sabah Tourism Board (STB).

STB hosted the 14 agents on a six-day familiarisation tour, which featured visits to popular tourist attractions, such as the Agnes Keith House, St. Michael and All Angel’s Church, Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Rainforest Discovery Centre, and a wildlife adventure in Kinabatangan.

The tour also included hotel inspections in Kota Kinabalu, a cycling tour in Tuaran, a cultural experience at the Bajau Sama Cultural Centre, a traditional food cooking class at Bijan Cafe and Guesthouse, and a fun yacht ride at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew welcomed the group arriving in Sandakan last week.

In her welcome speech, Liew highlighted that the UK was a key target market for promoting Sabah’s nature and wildlife tours. She also noted that Sandakan was a nature-based destination renowned for its wildlife attractions and historical heritage, making it one of the destinations promoted in the UK market. Malaysia Airlines’ direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan further enhance Sabah’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Nexus Resort Karambunai, and Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu co-sponsored the group, further highlighting the importance of the tourism industry in Sabah.

STB designed the familiarisation tour to create awareness among UK travel agents about Sabah’s tourism offerings and encourage them to promote the destination to their clients.

Sabah has been working hard to promote its tourism industry, and the familiarisation tour is part of its efforts to woo more visitors from key markets such as the UK.

The state is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, which offers a unique experience for tourists looking for adventure and cultural experiences. Sabah is also committed to promoting sustainable tourism to preserve its natural resources for future generations.

STB is the official tourism board for the state of Sabah. Its mission is to promote Sabah as a premier tourist destination, focusing on nature and wildlife, cultural diversity, adventure, and eco-tourism.

They work closely with tourism industry partners to develop and promote various travel experiences, from beach vacations to jungle treks, cultural tours, and adventure sports. With its stunning natural beauty and cultural richness, Sabah has become an increasingly popular destination for travellers worldwide.