The continuous rise in international oil prices has led to the cancellation of some international flights. The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) said Tuesday the authorities have already conducted an evaluation on whether the rising oil prices are affecting tourist arrivals.
Due to the impact of rising oil prices, ferry operators for the Hong Kong-Macau maritime route – TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet – previously indicated they would increase surcharges for routes between Hong Kong and Macau’s Outer Harbor or Taipa. Additionally, air transport has been heavily affected by fuel costs, leading Air Macau to cancel several flights.
Cheng Wai Tong, Deputy Director of the MGTO, noted in an interview during G2E Asia that the rise in oil prices would likely have some degree of impact on the number of visitors to Macau.
“This is an international issue; various flights globally are being cancelled or reduced,” he pointed out. Cheng added that authorities have already evaluated the situation, stating, “The government will attach great importance to this, and it is not just the Tourism Office [involved].”
Air Macau previously stated that aviation fuel prices had risen from US$97 per barrel to US$205, an increase of approximately 110%. Even after adjusting fuel surcharges and optimizing ticket prices, it remains difficult to fully offset the cost pressure.
Between May and June, Air Macau cancelled a total of over 400 round-trip flights. This involves several routes in mainland China, as well as international destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.
Furthermore, TurboJET indicated last week that, due to oil prices, sailings between Hong Kong (Sheung Wan) and Macau (Taipa) would be further reduced. Two special sailings added for weekends and holidays have been cancelled, with only two special ferry departures being maintained.
