The Sabah Tourism Board, in partnership with Batik Air and Fun Holiday, recently embarked on a successful roadshow in Uzbekistan, captivating the attention of Uzbek tourists seeking new Muslim-friendly travel destinations. The events, held in the historic cities of Samarkand and Tashkent on April 23 and 25, 2024, attracted an impressive crowd of 250 participants.
The roadshow highlighted Sabah’s diverse tourism attractions, including its idyllic islands, pristine beaches, and scenic rivers. Uzbekistan, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant history, is expanding its vacation horizons beyond traditional favorites such as Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Recognizing this opportunity, the Sabah Tourism Board showcased Sabah’s unique beauty and hospitality to Uzbek travelers.
With the establishment of direct flights from Tashkent to Kuala Lumpur operated by Batik Air and Uzbekistan Airways, accessibility to Sabah has become more convenient for Uzbek tourists. Additionally, the Sabah Tourism Board has initiated discussions with Samarkand Airways, the Tashkent Tourism Authority, and the Samarkand Tourism Authority to further promote Sabah as a top travel destination.
This roadshow builds on previous engagements between Sabah and Uzbekistan, including a visit to Uzbekistan in October of the previous year by Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkui, and representatives from the Sabah Tourism Board. These initiatives have paved the way for new partnerships and collaborations between the two regions.
Moreover, Exclusive Travel, an Uzbek-based travel wholesaler collaborating with Fun Holiday and Batik Air, is considering launching chartered flights to offer Uzbek tourists an unforgettable winter escape to Sabah’s natural and cultural attractions.
The Sabah Tourism Board remains committed to strengthening global connections and delivering extraordinary experiences, solidifying Sabah’s position as a leading destination in Southeast Asia.