SANDAKAN – An Uzbekistan-based airline is exploring the option of establishing direct flights to Sabah, which could enhance tourist connectivity between East Malaysia and Central Asia.
Sabah’s Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, confirmed that Air Samarkand has shown keen interest in investigating direct flight routes from Samarkand to Kota Kinabalu.
In a statement, Bangkuai said the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is now eyeing Central Asian nations as a potential source of increased tourism to the region.
Bangkuai, who is also STB chairman, said that travelers from Uzbekistan have displayed a growing inclination towards winter escapes in destinations such as Bali, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Vietnam, and Thailand, between November and January.
While Langkawi remains the Malaysian destination best known to Uzbeks, Sabah has emerged as the perfect choice for those in search of fresh and sunlit locations to explore, he said.
“Uzbekistan families and holiday-makers searching for a unique winter escape need to look no further than enchanting Sabah where a world of pristine landscapes, beaches, island resorts, and warm sun awaits,” Bangkuai said.
“They are yearning for fresh and sunny destinations to explore.”
Bangkuai said this following discussions with Nor Shazly Azmi, Tourism Malaysia’s director for the Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan region, as well as representatives from various Uzbek travel agencies and airlines, including Air Samarkand, Aeronautica Commercial, Air Marakanda, Asia Luxe Agency, and Ammy Travel.
With a strong inclination among Uzbek travelers for beach destinations and tropical islands, Bangkuai said that Sabah’s captivating landscapes, unspoiled waters, lush rainforests, and rich wildlife heritage make it an enticing option.
“Sabah is a realm of endless possibilities, especially for those searching for an extraordinary winter adventure.
“The Sabah Tourism Board eagerly welcomes Uzbekistan tourists to explore this Southeast Asian hidden gem,” he said.
Bangkuai also suggested launching a familiarisation trip for agents and engaging social media influencers to generate interest in Sabah among Uzbek citizens.
He also highlighted that the Sabah Tourism Board is actively engaged in promoting the state through travel agencies and online platforms, sharing information about top attractions, accommodations, and experiences available, among other valuable resources.
Bangkuai, who is also Sabah’s Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, led a delegation comprising STB board members and management staff to the 25th UNWTO General Assembly held in Samarkand City.
Throughout the event, Bangkuai also held discussions with representatives from the Japan Travel Bureau, Traveloka, the World Federation of Travel Guide Associations, and the International Federation of Camping, Caravanning, and Autocaravanning.
Sabah boasts connectivity to 15 international destinations through a network of 135 weekly flights, providing a total weekly capacity of 24,433 seats.
These destinations include cities such as Singapore, Bandar Seri Begawan, Taipei, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Shanghai, Beijing, Macau, Hangzhou, Narita, Incheon, Busan, and Manila. – October 18, 2023