China's Travel Agents Give Thumbs-Up For Malaysia's Labuan

LABUAN (Sabah, Malaysia), May 6 (Bernama) -- A group of 43 travel agents from China are optimistic that Labuan, a federal territory of east Malaysian state Sabah will soon become a favourite destination among travellers from the republic. The spokesman for the group, China International Travel Service General Manager Liu Zhigang, said they were impressed with the variety of attractions the duty-free island had to offer visitors. "Based on what we have seen and experienced during our tour here, Labuan definitely has the potential to be a favourite among Chinese travellers," he told a press conference on Thursday night. The group, which arrived on May 2, was brought in by LMB Global Sdn Bhd, a local travel agent, to promote Labuan among Chinese visitors. During the five-day tour, they toured various spots including the famous Kampung Patau-Patau water village and the Labuan Marine Park which consist of Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Rusukan Besar and Pulau Rusukan Kecil. Meanwhile, LMB Global Chief Operating Officer Chung Wei Keong said the tour was aimed at introducing Labuan to travel agents from China. "These travel agents will play an integral part in our six-months charter service which is scheduled to commence on July 15, 2016," he said. Chung said a Boeing 747-800 aircraft would be mobilised for the charter service and a minimum of 160 passengers can be flown from China to Labuan, daily. Labuan Member of Parliament Rozman Isli hoped the arrival of Chinese tourists would boost Labuan's tourism industry. "As Labuan's economy relied on oil and gas activities, the current slump in global oil prices have affected our development. "We hope by developing our tourism industry, the economy can get back on track," said Rozman, who is also Labuan Corporation Chairman. --BERNAMA