Sabah will be lowering its targeted tourist arrival to a more realistic figure somewhere between 2.92 million and 2.95 million.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun said Sabah broke the all time record with a total tourist arrivals figure of 2,844,597 last year, the Daily Express reported.

“I think we worked too hard last year, so we are going to revise it slightly down because the arrival last year means it’s 13.6 percent increase,” Mr Masidi said.

Mr Masidi said he is a realistic person therefore wanted to set a realistic goal, with the targeted arrivals sitting between 2.93 and 2.95 this would mean a three to four percent increase for 2012.

Mr Masidi said Malaysia Airlines decision to cut certain direct routes is a serious problem for Sabah being an island.

Since Malaysia Airlines reduced some direct flights, Sabah Tourism has had to readdress their situation and is now looking more towards China.

“Last year, the Chinese arrivals went up by 37 percent although China has no direct link with us, except through Hong Kong and I think it will increase in the future.”

According to Mr Masidi one Chinese airline has already began a charter flight and he is hopeful there will be more interest from other Chinese airlines.

“Last year, tourist arrivals from Australia went up by 33.9 percent and I was told by our agent in Perth that all the guests are now going to Singapore Airlines, just so they can come here.”

Mr Masidi said as a Malaysian he was disappointed that the airline was not supporting the people from Sabah and is hopeful that together with the Sarawak Minister of Tourism and MAS Chairman they can come up with an amicable solution.