KOTA KINABALU: The accessibility of Sabah's golf courses is one of the factors that could attract Korean golfers to the state.
South Korean consulate-general in Kota Kinabalu Joo Jung-cheol said there were about 5 million golfers in Korea.
"Attracting even 10 per cent of them to Sabah is a significant opportunity.
"Our golfers in Korea highly value South East Asia, including destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines," he said in a statement, after a meeting with Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister and Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai today.
Joo, who had played golf in Kota Kinabalu, said the state capital is the best due to its excellent accessibility to golf courses in the heart of the city centre and within a 30-minute drive.
"It is a good selling point,"he said in referring to the Sutera Habour Golf and Country Club, the Sabah Golf and Country Club, and the nearby Karambunai Golf and Country Club as well as the Dalit Bay Golf and Country Club.
"We anticipate many Koreans will come to Sabah during the high season between December and February for their winter vacation and to golf."
In 2019, he said that 480,000 Koreans visited Sabah, with over 20 per cent participating in golf-related activities.
He also added Sabah's growing popularity as an investment destination for Korean investors, with Korean companies investing in the state's golf business.
Meanwhile, Joniston said Sabah is commited to promoting golf tourism as a niche market, highlighting the affordable packages that appeal to Koreans without compromising on quality services.
"Koreans currently top Sabah's tourist market, and China is picking up.
"We are doing everything possible to continue attracting Korean tourists, as well as others, with our many attractions that cater to their specific needs," he said.