JOHOR BARU: Tour packages using chartered flights should be promoted because they are cheaper compared to normal airline fares, said the Malaysian Tourist Guides Council. Its president Jimmy Leong said chartered flight packages could boost tourism and increase tourist arrivals. Such packages were currently popular among tourists from Hong Kong and South Korea, he added. Leong said between January this year and March next year, 7,000 visitors from Hong Kong and South Korea were expected to fly into Jo hor via 31 chartered flights.
“Some of the offers using chartered flights are as low as 50% of the price of a regular flight,” he told The Star here yesterday. Leong said chartered flight fares were cheaper because they were normally full. “The Tourism Ministry should promote such flights as it is a good way to boost tourist arrivals and revenue for the country,” he said. Leong, however, said luring tourists with chartered flights was only the first step, and travel agencies must offer attractive packages to ensure visitors do not leave the country to visit neighbouring countries.
He said Hong Kong and South Korean tourists coming in tour packages spend between RM4,000 and RM5,000 per visit on food, handicraft and souvenirs. “Although these tourists are not high-yield spenders, this type of revenue can help other small businesses,” he said.
-thestar online.
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