KOTA KINABALU: The level of occupancy in hotels rated four-star and below in the East Coast of Sabah is currently at a discouraging 40 per cent.
President of the Sabah Hotel Association, Christopher Chan disclosed that the figure proves to be a low number compared to the normal 60 to 70 per cent level of occupancy.
“Yes, the kidnapping incidents in the East Coast of Sabah have definitely affected the business of our member hotels in the area,” said Chan when met after chairing the association’s ‘buka puasa’ charity dinner for the children of Cheshire Home and Seri Mengasih Centre at Kinabalu Daya Hotel here yesterday.
“It not only affects arrivals and checking in of tourists but also those who are business travellers, as well as government events,” he said.
Chan said that it was a bad blow for business and economic activities in the East Coast area.
“It (kidnapping incidents) brought multiple effects to the economy in the area which affects the livelihood of the communities there also.
“When no visitors come, it is not only the hotels’ business that is affected but also the other enterprises, small and medium.
“With the drop in number of visitors, it’s a direct spin-off for the economic activities there,” said Chan.