Australians intrigued by exotic Borneo
17 October 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke, emphasised the growing interest in Borneo among Australians, who view the island as an exotic and captivating destination.
Heinecke made these remarks during a meeting with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), led by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, where they discussed various tourism-related matters.
She highlighted Sabah's unique appeal, particularly for Australian travellers seeking distinctive experiences rooted in nature, culture, and adventure.
One of Heinecke's key suggestions was to strengthen ties between the Sabah tourism agency and Australian universities.
She advocated for the development of student exchange programmes or short-term internships, allowing Australian students to immerse themselves in Sabah’s rich culture, environment, and community-based tourism initiatives.
The discussion also addressed travel safety concerns, especially regarding the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), ensuring that potential visitors feel secure in exploring the region.
In response, Joniston acknowledged the importance of addressing travel safety concerns and assured Heinecke that the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) would provide the necessary data and statistics to support a review of their current travel advisory.
This information will include the number of Australians visiting the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) as well as updates on any security incidents in the area.
"We want to ensure that visitors feel safe and informed while exploring everything Sabah has to offer," Joniston stated.
The meeting, which also included STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jimit, explored the potential for establishing direct flights between Australia and Sabah.
Julinus noted that he has been in constant communication with the Eastern Sabah Security Command to receive updates on security conditions in tourism hotspots along the state’s east coast.
The discussion concluded with both parties agreeing to collaborate on promoting travel between Sabah and Australia.
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