KOTA KINABALU: The Republic of Korea Consul, Choi Bongkyu, is confident that continued cooperation between Malaysia and South Korea will help ensure a more sustainable tourism industry in Sabah in the future.
He said Sabah’s natural beauty, including its scenic sunsets, remains a major attraction for international tourists, despite fluctuations in tourist arrivals caused by currency exchange factors.
“Usually about 200,000 Koreans visit Sabah, but last year the number dropped to around 150,000.
“The strengthening of the Malaysian Ringgit has weakened the Korean won, and tourist numbers are expected to decline further to about 125,000.
“If the Korean currency strengthens, more tourists are expected to return,” he told Sabah Information Department after paying a courtesy call on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Musa Aman, at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Thursday.
Choi expressed hope that Sabah would continue to be a preferred destination for South Korean tourists, noting that several airlines are maintaining direct flights between Korea and Sabah to facilitate easier access for travellers.
The courtesy call marked his first meeting with the Yang di-Pertua Negeri since his appointment as the Republic of Korea Consul in Sabah in November last year.
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