Monday, August 19, 2024 The introduction of a new direct flight route between Kuala Lumpur and Chiang Mai is anticipated to significantly impact Thailand’s tourism sector, with expectations that it will contribute to attracting over 5 million Malaysian visitors to the country this year. This development, initiated by Malaysia Airlines, aligns with broader strategic efforts within the tourism industry to enhance connectivity and expand market reach. On August 15, Malaysia Airlines commenced flight MH772, a direct service from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Mai.
This route will be serviced five times a week by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which can accommodate up to 297 passengers. The addition of this route is seen as a critical step in facilitating easier and more convenient travel for Malaysian tourists, who form a significant portion of Thailand’s visitor base. The Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thapanee Kiatphaibool, conveyed her optimism about the potential benefits of the new route.
She emphasized that the direct connection between these two key Southeast Asian cities is expected to substantially improve travel convenience for Malaysian tourists, thereby boosting tourism flows. The establishment of new direct flight routes, as Thapanee highlighted, is integral to TAT’s broader strategy of expanding the quality tourist market. This strategy involves close collaboration with airline networks to establish Thailand as a central hub for ASEAN tourism.
Thapan.