KOTA KINABALU: According to South Korean consulate-general in Kota Kinabalu, Joo Jung-cheol, Malaysia is rapidly becoming a top choice for Korean golfers, ranking just behind Thailand and the Philippines. He mentioned that golfers from Korea highly value South East Asia, including destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Joo said Sabah’s fairways are attractive to Koreans due to their accessibility. He added that attracting 10% of the estimated five million Korean golfers to Sabah would be significant. This statement was made during a meeting with state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, on Monday (Nov 20).
After playing on the greens in Kota Kinabalu, Joo informed Bangkuai that the golf courses are conveniently located within a 30-minute drive of the city centre, making it an appealing point for visiting golfers. Joo expressed his anticipation for a high influx of Korean tourists in Sabah during the peak season between December and February, particularly for winter vacation and golf activities. In 2019, Joo mentioned that 480,000 Koreans visited Sabah, with over 20% participating in golf-related activities. He also emphasized Sabah’s increasing popularity as an investment destination for Korean investors, with Korean companies investing in the state’s golf business.
Discussing the current tourism market in Sabah, Joo stated that Koreans top the list, followed by a slowly increasing number of Chinese tourists. To cater to the specific needs of Korean tourists and others, Bangkuai mentioned that Sabah is making every effort to continue attracting tourists by showcasing its numerous attractions. The meeting concluded with an expression of the commitment to boosting the tourism industry in Sabah, contributing to its growth and development.
