KUCHING: Sarawak’s tourism industry is poised to face significant challenges due to recent disruptions in Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Firefly flights.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan pointed out that reliable and frequent flights are crucial for the state’s tourism sector as air travel remains the only viable means for foreigners to access Sarawak.
“The reduction in routes and cancellations would lead to a decline in inbound tourists, whether for business or leisure, thereby stagnating the state’s marketing efforts.
“This also means our investment in tourism infrastructures and services will not bear equitable returns.
“Services related to the tourism industry such as hotels, accommodation, transport, leisure and travel agencies’ programmes may come to a standstill,” he told the Sarawak Tribune.
Noting how flight delays or diversions are often time consuming, Snowdan said this will affect business itinerary like business meetings and incur additional costs for investors and tourists alike.
“If this issue prolonged, it will affect Sarawak’s image and may jeopardise the state being a favourite tourist destination in the long run. At the same time, it will also defeat our efforts in promoting tourism,” he said.
With Sarawak set to have its own boutique airline, Snowdan said it would help mitigate this situation by providing an alternative means of transportation and support Sarawak’s tourism ambitions.
Meanwhile, Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry secretary-general Datuk Jonathan Chai stressed that air connectivity is a prerequisite for tourism and economic development.
“If we do not have enough flights to bring in tourists, it will not make our country a popular destination for tourists,” he said.
Noting how there are not many airlines operating in Sarawak, Chai said the announcement made by the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) will create some inconvenience to many travelers in terms of cost and schedule of travel.
“Even as of now, we must fork out much more for most of the routes compared to pre-Covid-19 pandemic time.
“Perhaps it is high time for Sarawak to have our own airline to provide certainty and confidence to travellers as well as convenience for Sarawakians at affordable or competitive cost,” he said.
Chai expressed concern over how airfares will go up as it is all about demand and supply.
“Airfares will go up if there is less competition and less seats available. In fact, airfares are already at record highs presently. Should there be another round of price hikes, it will make air travel more unaffordable for many,” he said.
