PENAMPANG: The Sabah government will use a government to government (G2G) approach to come up with ways to attract more Chinese tourists to the state.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Christina Liew said through a meeting with the Sabah Tourism Board yesterday, she learned that despite China having opened its borders, there were some technical issues related to passport issuance for citizens.
"But once it is ironed out, which I hope will be done by March, China tourists will be coming in.
"We are visiting China soon and we will be meeting the airlines directly such as Shanghai and Fujian which used to fly directly to Sabah. But because of the pandemic they stopped.
"There is a need on G2G engagement to understand the issue (on passport issuance) better," she said after officiating the Ethnic Solidarity workshop at J Borneo Village Native.
Liew however said that Sabah tourism does not only welcome tourists from China but all over the world.
She added that this year would be a busy year for the board to visit major countries for roadshows to promote Sabah.
Meanwhile, Liew said the ministry would investigate the alleged incidents of unauthorised people collecting payment between RM10 and RM15 per person at the Tip of Borneo in Kudat.
The tip, which marks the meeting point of the South China Sea and Sulu Sea, has been closed for renovation works.
However, after a year, there is no progress of the work at the site.
"It (The illegal collection of fees) is serious, and the Tip of Borneo is a hotspot for tourists.
"I will investigate both issues - on the fees and why there is no progress on the renovation works."