Outbound tour packages in Sabah set to rise up to 30 pct amid airline fuel surcharges

KOTA KINABALU (April 3): Outbound tour package prices are expected to rise by between 10 and 30 per cent in the coming months following the implementation of fuel surcharges by airlines, according to tourism industry veteran Winston Liaw Kit Siong.

Liaw, who is group chairman of Airworld Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd, said the increase mirrors concerns raised earlier by the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA), which recently highlighted a 30 to 50 per cent hike in inbound tour package prices.

“With all airlines levying fuel surcharges on air tickets, these additional costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers,” he said, noting that rising ground costs quoted by foreign agents are also contributing to higher outbound package prices.

Liaw, who has 36 years of experience in the tourism industry, said the situation is not unprecedented, recalling similar fuel crises in 1979 and 2008 when global oil prices surged to as high as US$147 per barrel.

“To avoid confusion among travellers, we advise that outbound tour package itineraries clearly state that fuel surcharges are not included in tour fares and are subject to fluctuation,” he said.

He also revealed that airlines have instructed outbound and ticketing agents to implement fuel surcharges starting Monday, April 6, 2026.

Looking ahead, Liaw said the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East could prolong the fuel price volatility for several months, further impacting the tourism sector.

“We foresee that the situation may persist, and this will continue to put pressure on travel costs,” he said.

In light of this, Liaw urged the government to step in with targeted measures to support the tourism industry.

“We call on the relevant authorities to consider solutions such as exemptions on fuel price hikes for tourism vehicles or special policies for aircraft refuelling in Sabah,” he said.

He added that such measures could encourage airlines operating existing routes to Sabah to absorb or minimise fuel surcharges, thereby easing the burden on local tourism players.

“After all, Sabah is an oil-producing state and contributes significantly to the nation’s energy resources,” he said.