Malaysian tourism to suffer from flight reductions

Tourism in Malaysia looks set to suffer a major dip in revenue as a result of the decision by Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia X to reduced and/or discontinue international and regional flights.

Malaysian Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, fears that the lack of accessibility will lead to a drop in tourist arrivals to Malaysia, stating "when there is no accessibility to the country, it will be very difficult to get tourists to visit Malaysia."

Although the airline route cuts may deter tourists, Dr. Ng is trying to remain positive, adding "what we can do is to request, persuade and put our case forward.

"However, it will be a real challenge for us to bring more foreign visitors and I dare say it will cost us billions of ringgit (in tourism revenue)."

Tourism Malaysia plans to target long-staying tourists who would be willing to spend more, due to the lack of direct international flights compared to neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Singapore.

According to Dr. Ng, Malaysia is expecting visitor numbers from Russia, central Asia, China and the Middle East to increase.

AirAsia X recently suspended four loss-making international routes; to Mumbai, New Delhi, Paris and London.

Last month MAS also suspended 12 routes on its network including flights to Perth, Osaka, Tokyo-Haneda and Seoul. 

Image: Kuala Lumpur International Airport

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