Tourist arrivals to Sabah from January to October 2016 registered at 2,753,709 compared to 2,601,022 for the corresponding period in 2015, showing an increase of 5.87%.

International tourist arrivals were at 933,502 compared to 816,048 in 2015. Tourist arrivals from Peninsula Malaysia were recorded at 1,820,207 against 1,784,974.

These arrivals will boost Sabah's economy and leisure property in the State. The 2017 Chinese New Year season has seen fully booked rooms in many 4 and 5 star hotels.

The average spending, inclusive of dining, hotel and tours, would roughly be RM3,000, meaning RM120 million would be pumped into the economy.

With the ever-thriving influx of Chinese tourist, this will help with the property market as hotels, commercial properties and serviced residences will be in demand.

The openings of 3 major hotels in KK have been delayed according to reliable sources but the development of the Sabah International Convention Centre is in progress.

The good news is that Malindo Airlines will have direct flights from KK to Taipei starting from May 2017, with a total of 4 weekly flights. This move is expected to bring in an additional 25,000 visitors from Taiwan.

At the same time, negotiations are still ongoing for more chartered flights from China to Sabah in 2017. The Federal government has confirmed that last year's recorded tourist arrivals from China will continue to grow.