Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin (second right) received a momento from Sutera Harbour Resort and Sutera @Mantanani island Resort and Spa group chief executive officer Gilbert Ee at Mantanani island. Present were Jafry's permanent secretary Dr Jamili Nais (left) and Pintasan assemblyman Fairuz Renddan (right). - NSTP/OLIVIA MIWIL.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is mulling to have a travel bubble between the state and Singapore.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the ministry was in the midst of discussing the plan with relevant stakeholders.
"We are still waiting for the Federal government's approval. The state government has been having discussions with Sutera (Harbour Resort) to use a safe way and direct travel path from Singapore to here.
"The ministry is fine tuning with stakeholders such as airport operators and tourism players on stricter standard operating procedures (SOP).
"We are aware that the closure of borders have been a challenge for the tourism industry, but we have to be vigilant in the recovery period," he said, adding that the state government would discuss further with the Transport Ministry in the near future.
Jafry said this at the launch of 40 new premium Chalets at Sutera@Mantanani Island Resort and Spa here.
Present were Jafry's permanent secretary Dr Jamili Nais, Sabah Tourism Board General Manager Noredah Othman, Pintasan assemblyman Fairuz Renddan and Sutera Harbour Resort and Sutera@Mantanani Island Resort and Spa group chief executive officer Gilbert Ee.
Earlier, Jafry said the state would also work towards restoring tourists' confidence in the state.
He said at the end of the day, the state welcomed everyone to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience in beautiful Sabah.
"I hope everyone will become a responsible tourist, without being careless and complacent by complying strictly with the SOP," he said.
He said Sutera being the first travel bubble destination in Sabah, would set an example on the basis of the new normal of travelling.
He said the resort would have multiplier effects for the local communities including in terms of employment and spillover economy.
"Be it for a unique array of inspiring island attractions, offering a holiday experience 'second-to-none', to enriching the lives of all who participate in this process.
"Once again, I wish to express my gratitude to the Sutera@Mantanani Island Resort & Spa and Sutera Harbour Resort for taking a bold part in this tourism recovery plan and searching for the best way to improve the quality of human life by advancing the pace of economic development."
Earlier, Ee said the initiative and support from the Federal and state governments to resuscitate the local tourism industry by focusing on strategic collaborations and smart partnership had brought a positive note.
"Earlier this month, we received approval for the inaugural travel bubble package in Sabah – the Sutera Harbour Resort to Sutera@Mantanani Island Resort & Spa, and this clearly indicates the effort under the Tourism Recovery Plan.
"I want to reiterate that we have always prioritised guest's safety and satisfaction when patronising our services, but we also care for our environment, the people and the community.
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