Thomas Tang
SIBU: Tour agents here are following the missing MAS plane incident closely with the hope that it will not have a negative impact on their business.
Thomas Tang of Sak Soon
Travel said he was concerned, but said it was too early to conclude on its effects on tourism as the incident only occurred on Saturday.
He said what needed to be determined now was the cause of the incident.
“It is too early to tell what psychological effect it will imprint on travellers, or whether it will keep tourists away.”
Although he was sad over what had happened to Flight MH370, he said the people must not be gripped by fear.
“Malaysia is reputed in the world for safe flying, and accidents involving aeroplanes are low.
This is something we are proud of.”
He admitted in his tour business he had come across people with fear of flying.
He said it was too early to gauge whether the missing plane incident would aggravate this psychological problem.
Tang has reasons to be concerned as most locals had chosen China as their holiday destination.
He said this was because China was a vast country with very wide choices for holiday.
However, he said locals were also heading to Europe, and holiday destinations in South East Asia were picking up as well.
“One key factor why tour holiday in Asia has remained top is because of the currency exchange rate.”
“I am concerned, and I am sad this has happened.”