New Korean Air service to Macau fuels incentive travel excitement
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News of Korean Air’s daily service to Macau commencing July 1 have spurred hopes among Macau’s events industry players of greater incentive travel traffic.
While recognising that international access to Macau is already well covered by air, land and sea, MCI Hong Kong & Macau, general manager, Olinto Oliveira, said direct flights to Macau are still the best for snagging corporate movements.
Currently, most international travellers to Macau come via Hong Kong, and proceed onwards overland or by ferry.
Oliveira added: “While this is very convenient now, with multiple options from the bridge to the ferry, it still adds to the travel time (and causes) mental and time fatigue. The more direct flights we have coming into the destination the better.”
Oliveira is also hopeful that with a national airline like Korean Air operating the service, Macau’s destination appeal would get a stronger boost.
Sands China, vice president of sales, Stephanie Tanpure, told TTGmice: “The introduction of more international flights makes Macau more accessible to the South Korean market, which is a key target for Sands Resorts Macao. Hosting events like our Sands Lifestyle Roadshow, The Fabric of Macao, in Seoul next week further highlights our commitment to engaging South Korean media and business partners, enhancing interest, and boosting business and leisure from South Korea to Macau”.
Also optimistic is Pamela Chan, managing director and head of group communications with Taipa Village, who shared that the heritage destination has always been popular with South Koreans and the new air access would bring even more South Koreans, especially those attending incentive travel events, to Macau.
According to Macau’s Statistics and Census Service, South Korea accounted for 129,519 arrivals in the first three months of 2024. The figure was 10,725 for the same period in 2023.
Korean Air’s Incheon-Macau service will depart from Incheon International Airport at 21.15 and arrive at Macau International Airport at 23.55. The return flight will depart from Macau International Airport at 01.10 the next day and arrive at Incheon International Airport at 06.00. The flight time is approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes.