Malindo Air’s inaugural flight with 160 passengers is scheduled to land at the Labuan Airport on July 7 and continue until August 13.
LABUAN: Labuan is expected to see a dramatic turnaround in tourism from next month, with the long-awaited international charter flights from Taipei having been confirmed by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM).
Malindo Air’s inaugural flight with 160 passengers is scheduled to land at the Labuan Airport on July 7 and continue until August 13.
Labuan Member of Parliament Datuk Rozman Isli said MAVCOM had approved 11 charter flights from Taiwan and applications for new and additional flights would be renewed within the period.
“Despite the volatile global economic scenario currently impacting the oil and gas industry, Labuan’s tourism sector is predicted to be brighter over the next few years,” he told a press conference after chairing the Tourism Action Committee Meeting on Monday night.
Rozman, who is also the Labuan Corporation Chairman said the island is offering special 5 Days, 4 Nights packages for tourists.
“They can enjoy different kinds of tourism activities, involving nature and adventure, cultural and heritage themes,” he said.
Under the package, tourists would be taken to various iconic places like the Marine and Historical Museum and historical World War 2 sites.
They will also visit Rusukan Island (for canoeing, scuba discovery and diving), Papan Island (water sports) and Parahu Larai island exploration), sunset viewing and enjoying local delicacies and visiting the popular water village of Kg Patau-Patau II.
Rozman said LMB Global (Malaysia), the tourism agency, responsible for bringing in the Taiwanese tourists, is also preparing to fly in tourists from southern and southwest China, Nanning and Kunming via direct flights from Brunei.
He also said the local authority and industry players had jointly carried out preparations from last year to welcome tourists and it included upgrading existing tourism infrastructure to cater to international standards.
Labuan Indian Chamber of Commerce President Datuk Dahlif Singh asked that tourism facilities, especially the Sg Miri Sunset site be upgraded with additional infrastructure.
“The Sg Miri beach is long enough for people to enjoy the sunset,” he added.
Labuan MCA chairman Datuk Chin Hon Vui said approval of the charter flights would boost the island’s tourism sector after being badly hit by a slowdown in the oil and gas sector.
“We are here to help make their experience here pleasant and enjoyable as possible,” he said. — Bernama