HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES RETURN TO LABUAN IN MAY

LABUAN, After much anticipation, hot air balloon rides are set to make a comeback at Malaysia's international business and financial centre of Labuan here this May, as part of the Labuan Big Show 2.0 (Labs) event. A three-day event beginning May 3, the return of the hot air balloon rides follows overwhelming demand from the public during its previous appearance. According to Labs director Armand Raymond, Labuan Big Show 2.0 would offer an array of thrilling attractions and activities, including cold inflation balloon showcases, night glow balloon shows, a family outdoor theme park, fun sports events, day and night markets, food festivals, 'Arts and Culture' music concerts, and pocket shows. "As one of the premier events in the region, Labuan Big Show 2.0 promises to be bigger and better than the previous one," he said to Bernama today. Raymond said drawing from their knowledge and expertise, Labuan Big Show 2.0 aims to captivate over 50,000 visitors from the Borneo region, BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-In donesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area), Peninsula Malaysia, and Southeast Asia, thereby solidifying Labuan as a primary tourist destination in the region. 'In collaboration with various stakeholders, Labuan Big Show 2.0 is gearing up to provide a memorable experience, further establishing Labuan as a top-notch tourist destination in the region,' he said. Labuan Corporation chief executive officer Rithuan Ismail emphasised the economic spill over effects of organising such a significant event. "Labuan partly relies on tourism-driven programs to attract visitors to the island, and local authorities will facilitate the smooth running of the programmes," he said. Rithuan added Labuan Corporation would continue to enhance tourism facilities on the island as part of its ongoing efforts to welcome foreign visitors. Source: BERNAMA News Agency