Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said partnerships with Thomas Cook India Limited and EaseMyTrip will boost Sabah’s visibility as a premier destination for Indian tourists.
She said India is a high-potential market, and the state aims to position Kota Kinabalu as a must-visit city in Borneo.
“Sabah is a rich haven of culture, nature, and adventure. These collaborations will help us reach leisure travellers and business groups from India,” Liew said in Kota Kinabalu on Friday.
Enhancing air connectivity remains a key priority, with STB holding talks with IndiGo and Air India to explore direct flights to Sabah.
Liew said discussions focused on assessing demand and establishing viable travel routes to improve accessibility for Indian visitors.
On January 31, STB signed a joint collaboration with Thomas Cook India at the Sabah Pavilion during OTM Mumbai 2025.
STB CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit said the partnership will leverage Thomas Cook India’s extensive distribution network and digital platforms to target honeymooners, families, adventure seekers, and MICE groups.
On February 3, STB sealed another deal with EaseMyTrip in New Delhi, further strengthening Sabah’s presence in the Indian market.
Julinus said both partnerships will focus on exclusive promotions, digital marketing campaigns, and trade engagement to boost visitor arrivals.
STB also engaged with Dook International and DPauls Travel & Tours on February 4 to enhance Indian travel packages to Sabah.
Dook International will immediately begin curating travel deals, while DPauls Travel & Tours has committed to expanding its Sabah offerings.
Tourism Malaysia New Delhi facilitated these collaborations, reinforcing Sabah’s push to become a top choice for Indian travellers. – February 7, 2025.
