China is Sabah’s largest source of foreign tourists, with 262,070 of the 706,383 international arrivals recorded from January to July this year.
The surge was also due to the mutual visa exemption between Malaysia and China announced last December.
China’s visitor arrivals were recorded at 26,054 of the 424,052 international arrivals for the same period last year.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stated that since tourism is a critical driver of Sabah’s economy, the State Government would continue to enhance its business environment and upgrade tourism facilities to attract more investors and tourists to the State.
Speaking at the 75th anniversary reception of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at a hotel on Tuesday, Hajiji reaffirmed Sabah’s commitment to fostering strong economic ties with China.
“As economic and trade cooperation between Malaysia and China continues to progress, I look forward to more synergy in all areas of cooperation between Sabah and China.
“The State Government will work closely with the Chinese Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu to enhance and continue this cooperation,” he said.
