Tourism players should fully leverage on the 30-day visa exemption granted to China and Indian visitors to Malaysia, says the Sabah body-in-charge.

Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Satta) president Datuk Seri Winston Liaw said with the state already being among the top preferred destinations for China tourists, greater success can be achieved.

He said tourism players could customize activities for China tourists and “not just force them to shop”. “For example, if they book for four nights then they can be offered a fifth night’s stay for free or at 50% off to get them to stay longer,” he said when contacted.

Liaw said since the 30-day visa exemption was announced last year, more China tourists had headed to Sabah, citing a Firefly flight which arrived at Tawau directly from Nanjing, carrying 180 passengers.

Asked about Indian tourist arrivals here, he said the number was still negligible. Liaw urged the government to provide incentives for airlines to fly to new destinations in Sabah.

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen

Editor Ⅱ: Wu Dan

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong