KOTA KINABALU: The government plans to introduce targeted measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel surcharges on the travel sector, cautioning that outbound tour package prices could climb by 10% to 30% in the coming months.
Airworld Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd group chairman Winston Liaw Kit Siong said that airlines have instructed agents to implement fuel surcharges beginning April 6, a move that will inevitably be passed on to consumers.
He said potential higher ground costs quoted by foreign agents are also contributing to the surge in package prices.
“We call on the relevant authorities to consider solutions such as exemptions on fuel price hikes for tourism vehicles or special policies for aircraft refuelling in Sabah,” said Liaw, the former president for Sabah Association for Tours and Travel Agents (SATTA).
Liaw explained that such measures could encourage airlines operating existing routes to Sabah to absorb or minimise surcharges, which will ease the burden on local tourism players.
“After all, Sabah is an oil-producing state and contributes significantly to the nation’s energy resources,” Liaw added.
The ongoing Middle East conflict could prolong the fuel volatility and impact the tourism industry severely, he said.
He added that such fuel price crises had occurred in 1979 and 2008 when global oil prices surged to as high as US$147 per barrel.
“The situation in the Middle East may persist. It will continue to put pressure on travel costs,” he said.
Liaw also said that outbound tour itineraries should clearly state that fuel surcharges are not included in fares as it remains subject to fluctuation, to avoid any confusion among travellers.
