Air Asia X’s announcement of additional services from Melbourne and the Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur later this year could not come at a better time, according to Tourism Malaysia, as capacity is needed for the increasing demand of Australian travellers visiting Malaysia.
Tourist arrivals from Australia to Malaysia in the first seven months of 2009 totalled 280,249, an increase of 18.6% on the same period last year, while the month on month increase since January this year was a healthy average of 21%.Despite the current downturn in the economy, Malaysia is one of few countries that has demonstrated it is a true value for money destination, something that more and more Australian travellers are recognising.
With room rates in a 3-star hotel starting at $40, $80 in a 4 star hotel and $120 in a 5-star hotel; and meals including a drink from as little as $8 in reputable restaurants, budget and upscale travellers can enjoy stretching their dollars when holidaying in Malaysia.
Air Asia X’s additional flights have been scheduled to commence from the Gold Coast and Melbourne as of 21 October and 1 December 2009 respectively. Travellers from the Gold Coast will enjoy six flights a week to Kuala Lumpur, while travellers from Melbourne will enjoy 11 flights a week.2008 saw more than 22 million visitor arrivals to Malaysia and the country is expecting 19 million by the end of 2009, with 420,000 visitors from Australia.
