MELAKA: Local tourism players are looking forward to tremendous growth following the debut of direct flights from Singapore, said the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA).
Its Melaka chapter chairman Goh Hock Gin said it would not be surprising to see affluent Singaporean travellers taking flights to savour durians and chicken rice balls, given Melaka's reputation as a food and heritage haven.
"The direct flights are expected to attract luxury travellers who are eager to experience a short gourmet tour here," he said after the opening of MATTA's Melaka Fair by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh on Friday (Aug 9).
The three-day fair featured some 30 tourism players, with projected sales of tourism packages reaching RM15mil.
On Tuesday (Aug 6), Singapore's low-cost airline Scoot announced that it will begin flights to Melaka on Oct 23, at the frequency of five times a week.
Goh noted that the direct flights will significantly boost the local tourism sector, leading to increased spending towards businesses here, especially the hotels.
"This is the perfect time to promote local tourism and enhance the tourist experience.
"The direct flights will be a game-changer and strengthen Melaka's standing as a premier tourist destination," he added.
The direct flights are also expected to create numerous opportunities for local eateries, theme parks, and shopping complexes, said Goh.
Ab Rauf said Scoot's direct flights via the Melaka International Airport (LTAM) in Batu Berendam will bring about positive effects for the state.
He said these flights will also help revive LTAM operations, hence, helping the state government to realise its target of 18.7 million tourist arrivals for Visit Melaka Year 2024.
Ab Rauf also expressed hope that Scoot will consider using LTAM as a hub for flights to many other tourist destinations and that other airlines will be encouraged to offer new routes.
