Boosting Sabah-Manado tourism
Published on: Tuesday, September 10, 2024
By: Wu Vui Tek
Rafail (2nd from left, forefront) with Dr Kartika (3rd from left), Azlan (4th from left) and Connie (far right), along with officials and industry players from Sabah and Manado.
MANADO: The Consulate General of Indonesia in Kota Kinabalu, Rafail Walangitan organised a visit for a group of industry players from Sabah to North Sulawesi to promote the tourism sector from Sept 1 to 6 following the launch of AirAsia’s inaugural direct flight from Kota Kinabalu.
The flights are available three times weekly — on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays.
ADVERTISEMENT_30_Sep-6_Oct.jpg)
“I am confident that through this event, we can strengthen bilateral relations between the two regions, especially in the tourism sector, which is very important for our economy,” said Rafail during a table-top meeting and business-matching session with North Sulawesi travel agents at a hotel here.
He said the presence of travel agents from both regions is a testament to the spirit of togetherness and cooperation that they wish to build and strengthen.
“As the Consul General of Kota Kinabalu, I am very proud and grateful for the opportunity to bring together tourism industry players from Sabah and North Sulawesi.
“We are grateful to the North Sulawesi Provincial Tourism Office for consistently coordinating closely with us to support the event,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
“With the natural beauty, cultural richness and hospitality of our people, both Sabah and North Sulawesi have great potential to become top tourist destinations,” he added.
Manado, he said, is famous for the Bunaken Marine Park, designated as a biosphere reserve by Unesco, making it a major attraction for divers from around the world.
ADVERTISEMENT
There is also Mount Manado Tua, situated in the middle of the sea.
In addition, the cultural diversity and distinctive cuisine make Manado an attractive destination for tourists.
Sabah, on the other hand, offers incredible natural beauty, from the majestic Mount Kinabalu to the stunning beaches and exotic islands, such as the Semporna region, which is also a paradise for divers, he said.
“The rich culture and traditions of the Sabah community also add to its appeal for tourists.
“Through this event, we hope to exchange information, establish cooperation and develop joint strategies to promote tourism in both states,” he said.
He hoped that, from the table-top meeting, various initiatives and collaborations would emerge and beneficial for both parties.
“We are all aware that the challenges in the tourism sector are not easy, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which is still being felt today.
“However, with a strong spirit of togetherness and cooperation, I am confident that we can rise together and advance our tourism towards better recovery and growth.
“My hope is that, through this collaboration, we can improve tourism and the economy in both regions, providing tangible benefits for our communities,” he said.
Also present were the Head of North Sulawesi Province Tourism Office, Dr Kartika Devi Tanos; Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents Sabah Chapter Chairman, Mohd Azlan Salehbin Abd; familiarisation trip coordinator and Funholiday Managing Director, Connie Chong; ground handler Welcome Manado; senior officials from the Consulate General of Indonesia Kota Kinabalu; and hoteliers and travel agents from Manado.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
.jpg)
