KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's tourism has received a boost following AirAsia's plans to expand its domestic and international network by opening new direct flights to the state.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin expressed optimism that the additional new network would spur the state's tourism industry.
To date, the international direct flights coming to Kota Kinabalu are from Singapore and Manila.
The Jin Air from South Korea has also started operating, said Jafry during a meeting with AirAsia Malaysia chief executive officer Riad Asmat at the Airasia Group Bhd Kuala Lumpur office yesterday.
AirAsia will commence direct flights from Kota Kinabalu to Bangkok from July, said Riad.
Jafry also met with Capital A Group chief executive officer, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.
Tony expressed his appreciation to the Sabah government for the cooperation established over the decades in developing the AirAsia aviation industry in the state.
Airasia is also expected to launch more international flights in Sabah, but it depends on the opening of the particular country's borders.
Jafry said the Sabah Tourism Board would be working with Airasia through its Super App application in promoting attractive tourist destinations in Sabah.
Travellers can book their flight and hotel packages as well as various meals and other experiences before embarking on a holiday, he said.