The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) held engagement with countries that issued travel advisory against visiting the east coast of Sabah.
Its Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai chaired the engagement in Kuala Lumpur on May 20 to update the embassies on the security measures.
Among those in attendance were European Union Deputy Head of Delegation Timo Goosman, Ambassador of France Axel Cruau, Ambassador of Italy Massimo Rustico, Ambassador of Finland Sami Leino, Ambassador of Norway Morten Paulsen and representatives from the Australian, United States, and German embassies.
The diplomats were briefed by a senior officer from the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM).
Sabah recorded 8,359 travellers from Europe and the United Kingdom and 936 from Oceania to the east coast during the first four months of this year.
“This indicates a growing confidence among visitors on security and safety in the east coast,” Joniston said.
The diplomats assured that they would update their respective governments.
Goosman said the information was essential for EU member countries to review the advisory issued.
Ambassador Rustico hoped that such engagement could be held regularly to get the latest security updates.
Ambassador Cruau believed that with heightened security measures, more French nationals would be visiting the east coast of Sabah.
STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jimit said European arrivals are important and Sabah would continue its promotional efforts aggressively.
He said the Europe region showed a robust recovery of 105 per cent from the pre-pandemic level with 18,196 visitors, a 35.8 per cent increase during the first three months of this year.
