KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Hong Kong has increased the number of direct charter flights to Langkawi to accommodate the tourist traffic that will be flocking to the country.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohd Taiyab said a projected revenue of RM9 million was expected from the 18 charter flights operated by Hong Kong Airlines.

This is an increase of seven flights compared with the 11 last year during the same period.

Each flight is scheduled to arrive between July 14 and Aug 27, with 168 passengers each directly to Langkawi, making up an estimated 3,000 tourists.

To increase arrivals from Hong Kong, Tourism Malaysia is working hand in hand with Hong Kong travel agency EGL Tours by offering special group tours which include a five-day/four-night return flight and accommodation packages at selected spots in Langkawi.

Last year, the country recorded 13,386 tourists arrivals from Hong Kong with each tourist spending an average of RM2,000.

"This year, we're expecting the number to double, and with the increase in room rates, the average expenditure per head would be between RM2,500 and RM3,000," said Mirza after launching the Hong Kong Express direct charter flights at Saloma Bistro yesterday.

Also present were Matta president Ngiam Foon, David Tham, the executive director of Option Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd, and Sammy Ng, the assistant operations manager of EGL Tours. Option and EGL Tours are two of the biggest agencies responsible for bringing in Hong Kong tourists.

Mirza said charter flights were an alternative solution for those travelling during peak season as commercial flights were usually fully booked.

He said since Langkawi was the most preferred destination for Hong Kong tourists, more commercial and charter flights were expected to be re-directed towards the route.

Malaysia Airlines, for example, will re-direct seven of its Hong Kong-Kuala Lumpur flights to fly straight to Langkawi, and on to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, every Friday from this Friday to Aug 22.

Besides Hong Kong Airlines, Cathay Pacific has two charter flights to Langkawi on July 30 and Aug 3. Other destinations include Kuantan, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.

China Airlines is providing 23 charter flights direct from Taipei to Kuantan beginning June 16 to Sept 12, while FinnAir has nine flights scheduled fortnightly between November and March next year, bringing in an expected 2,043 tourists directly from Finland to Penang.

Mirza said besides Hong Kong, Russia and the Middle Eastern countries would also provide charter flights.

"There are 32 extra flights from Saudi Arabia this month and next month, while MAS will carry an additional 2,626 seats on its 35 flights from Jeddah to Kuala Lumpur."