Sabah’s tourism industry is set to receive a boost with the arrival of tourists from Uzbekistan. A group of travel agents from the central Asian nation are currently in the state to experience what Sabah has to offer. The Malaysia-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce vice-president, Dilsod Elmuradov, stated that the travel agents are interested in collaborating with the Sabah Tourism Board to enhance promotion and campaign efforts. Elmuradov conveyed their intentions during a meeting with Sabah Tourism Board chairman, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
At the meeting, Elmuradov was joined by Uzbek’s Exclusive Travel founder Gulnova Hodjaeva, director Barno Omonova, Avantgarde Group representative Shahzod Pulatov, and Sabah’s Fun Holiday managing director Connie Chong. This is the Uzbek group’s first visit to Sabah, and they plan to spend five days exploring various destinations on the west coast. Elmuradov emphasized their interest in promoting Sabah and their goal to experience the region’s popular products, in preparation for the Tashkent International Tourism Fair scheduled from November 15 to 17.
The group will be visiting attractions such as the Mari-mari cultural village, white water rafting and camping sites in Kiulu, firefly and proboscis monkey tours, as well as going on an island-hopping excursion at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. With Batik Air launching a direct route from Tashkent to Kuala Lumpur on December 8, the delegation has high expectations for Sabah as a sought-after destination for Uzbeks during the winter season. The group believes that Sabah offers the perfect combination of beaches, islands, wildlife, rivers, and family getaways.
Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister, welcomed the collaborative efforts of the Uzbek travel agents and encouraged them to submit a formal proposal to the Sabah Tourism Board. He acknowledged the positive development that stemmed from the recent visit of the Sabah tourism entourage to Uzbekistan for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly. Bangkuai expressed the board’s openness to any proposal that brings benefits to the state and expressed hopes for a successful partnership.
“This collaboration not only opens doors to the diverse and vibrant culture of Sabah but also paves the way for an increase in tourism, benefiting both parties involved,” added Bangkuai.
