AirAsia Philippines has reinforced its partnership with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) as it doubles up on the promotions of Kota Kinabalu as a preferred tourist destination among Filipinos. The strengthened collaboration with STB is also one of the many efforts of the airline in accelerating the restart of its operations in ASEAN, and the eventual expansion of its international route network. The airline reiterated the pivotal role of attainable air transport for leisure tourists on revenge travel abroad, such as in Sabah, Malaysia.
The Sabah Tourism Board and the world’s best low-cost airline, in celebration of their renewed partnership, held a media briefing and cultural event at The Pacific Sutera Hotel in Kota Kinabalu last 05 July 2022. The event was attended by AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer Ricky Isla, airasia Super App Managing Director Ray Berja, AirAsia PH Spokesperson and Communications and Public Affairs Head Steve Dailisan. The Philippine delegation was graciously welcomed by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Honorable Datuk Jafry Ariffin, Assistant Tourism Minister YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Sabah Culture and Environment Secretary Datuk Sr. Hj Mohd Yusrie Abdullah and Sabah Tourism Board CEO Puan Noredah Othman.
Culminating the night is a cultural presentation that featured traditional ethnic dances, a three-piece ensemble, and a small group of singers. The cultural presentation was produced and performed by the esteemed Sabah Cultural Board.
“The resumption of our Kota Kinabalu flight last month has reopened this important border not only for Filipino traders and travelers, but also for Malaysians here in Sabah who would like to visit their friends and relatives in Manila. This also opens the opportunity for tourism for the two sides to prosper, as both destinations have an array of exciting offerings for first-time and seasoned travelers,” according to Ricky Isla, AirAsia Philippines CEO.
Home to cultural sites, white sand beaches offering many eco-adventure activities, Kota Kinabalu is Malaysia’s answer to travellers who are more into extreme outdoor experience. However, the highlight of each trip to the island is its first UNESCO World Heritage site – Kinabalu Park which is also home to Mount Kinabalu – the world’s third highest peak in an island and the 20th most prominent mountain in the world in terms of topography.
“In line with the transition to an endemic phase, I believe that this resumption of international flights comes at the right time for both tourists and locals in Sabah, who have been excitedly anticipating and planning their travels,” said Hon. YB Datuk Jafry Ariffin, Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment.
AirAsia Philippines flies to Kota Kinabalu weekly every Tuesday and Saturday. Manila – Kota Kinabalu leaves NAIA Terminal 3 at 12:10 AM and arrives at Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 2:10 AM. Its return flight leaves Kota Kinabalu at 2:50 AM and arrives Manila at 4:50 AM.
Guests visiting Kota Kinabalu are required to download the MySejahtera app and fill out the pre-departure form and verify their digital COVID-19 vaccine certificate. For more information about flight schedules and travel requirements, please visit airasia flysafe page.