GEORGE TOWN, April 26 — In its heyday, Penang International Airport used to receive direct flights from United Kingdom, Japan, Australia and other foreign destinations, which augured well for the tourism industry.

Over the years, these flights have slowly been halted either due to lack of passengers or the airlines deciding to fly to more lucrative destinations.

In an effort to revive direct flights to the island, the state government is embarking on a bold and elaborate project to charter flights from South Korea.

“For starters, the state is working with a South Korean airline to fly to Penang.

“We may charter a few flights directly here,” said state executive councillor for tourism development and culture Danny Law.

He said holiday makers from South Korea would come here through special packages organised by Hana Tours, a travel agent there.

The decision was made after brainstorming sessions with tourism industry players who recognised the lack of direct flights as the island’s biggest problem.

Law said leisure travellers were put off by the hassle of connecting flights.

“We have to provide incentives to make airlines fly here.” 

The local government fee collected from tourists when they check in at Penang hotels will be used to subsidise airline parking charges and air bridge fees at the airport.

Three-star hotels and below here have been collecting RM2 levy per night and four-star hotels and above RM3 since last June.

Law said the fund had grown to RM5.5 million as of last month.

Sources said Asiana Airlines would be involved in direct charter flights to Penang.

“Once we justify the demand, we expect market forces to drive more South Korean flights here.

“We are also discussing with AirAsia for a weekly flight from Yangon, Myanmar,” said Law. 

Yangon has more than six million people and the city has been booming since Myanmar opened up its economy.

“Penang will also launch a campaign in the UK soon because British Airways will start a Heathrow-Kuala Lumpur route from May.

“The last time British Airways flew to Malaysia was in 2001. 

“We share the view of the industry players to spend the funds in a way that will bring more tourists to Penang,” Law said.

Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chapter chairman Khoo Boo Lim expressed support for the state government’s move to entice more South Korean tourists because it would benefit hotels.

“The state government’s effort to revive direct flights should be lauded,” said Khoo.

Another hotelier in George Town who declined to be identified, said up to now, most hotels had been promoting the island at their own expense.

Tourism Malaysia Penang director Harun Pilus said this would be a good strategy because the flight from Seoul was less than seven hours.

“Penang has many things to offer from food to eco-tourism,” he said.

South Korea has produced world class professional golf players such as Yani Tseng, Park Inbee and K.J. Chooi.

“More South Koreans are playing golf in Kuala Lumpur, Seremban and Malacca with direct flights into Kuala Lumpur,” Pilus said.

He urged tourism industry players to work more closely to bring charter flights into Penang.