AirAsia X to bring Millions of Tourist Dollars to Western Australia

Tourism from Malaysia to Western Australia is expected to increase significantly thanks to new, direct flights with low-cost airline AirAsia X.

Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said a new deal between Tourism WA, AirAsia X and Westralia Airports Corporation could inject nearly $100 million into the Western Australian economy in the service’s first year.

"The introduction of direct flights between Kuala Lumpur to Perth should see visitor numbers and spending increase significantly as holiday-makers take advantage of low prices,” Ms McHale said.

“Malaysia is already one of WA’s top tourism markets, with nearly 40,000 visitors every year spending $157million.

“With AirAsia X having the broadest low-cost carrier route network in South East Asia and China, the airline is expected to bring an additional 40,000 international visitors to WA in the first year.

“Next year, AirAsia X will start direct flights between London and Kuala Lumpur which will further boost the number of United Kingdom visitors - our biggest international market - to WA.”

The Minister said low-cost carriers had historically been successful in boosting tourism by offering competitive fares and attracting visitors who had not travelled widely before.

“Tourism WA and AirAsia X will use this exciting opportunity to carry out extensive marketing campaigns in South East Asia to encourage visitors to book a holiday in WA,” she said.

AirAsia X services to WA will start on November 2, initially with six flights a week, increasing to daily services in March 2009.

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