December 02, 2008 21:45 PM
KOTA KINABALU, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Direct Sabah-Singapore flights, besides boosting tourism, would also give the state an opportunity to promote its MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) facilities.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun, said Singapore was well-known as a premier hub in the Asian region that acted as a gateway to other international cities around the world.
"I trust the flights will attract more inbound international tourists and professionals and we see this as a partnership to enhance business," he said after welcoming 161 passengers of the Jetstar Asia's inaugural flight from Singapore here Tuesday.
He said Jetstar Asia, a subsidiary of Australia's Qantas Airways based in Singapore, could open more doors for other international airlines to operate flights to Kota Kinabalu.
Jetstar Asia's chief executive officer, Chong Phit Lian, said the airline hoped to bring international tourists to Sabah from or via Singapore to make up for the decreasing number of tourists affected by airline companies that ceased to operate flights to Sabah.
"Jetstar Asia will be flying daily between Kota Kinabalu and Singapore beginning Dec 20 to encourage visitations in both destinations whether for business or pleasure.
"Currently, Jetstar Asia operates four flights a week," she said.
Source: BERNAMA
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