KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is set to see a potential rise in Japanese tourist arrivals next year, thanks to strong transit connections and an increase in direct flights from Japan to Sabah.
Expressing optimism, Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit said he hoped Malaysia Airlines would introduce a direct route from Haneda to Kota Kinabalu by early 2025.
“This route would greatly improve connectivity, making it more convenient for Japanese travellers to visit Sabah. It will not only boost tourist arrivals but also solidify Sabah's reputation as a top destination for nature and adventure tourism,” said Jimit.
Jimit added that currently, direct flights from the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ to the ‘Land Below the Wind’ were limited.
However, Jimit said, “51% of Japanese tourists travel via Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA), and with eight weekly flights from Brunei offering strong transit connections, we expect a notable increase in Japanese visitors to Sabah by 2025.”
In collaboration with RBA, the STB is working to optimise this crucial connectivity, making it easier for Japanese tourists to experience Sabah’s stunning landscapes and rich culture.
Jimit shared these insights at the Tourism Expo Tokyo 2024, where, under the Tourism Malaysia Pavilion, the STB is promoting Sabah's diverse attractions to the Japanese market, focusing on education tourism, diving, and bird watching.
These efforts have been further bolstered by the launch of the Edu Plus and Golf packages by Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy during the expo.
