Hong Kong tourism leaders: Airline fuel fee cuts “too minuscule”

HONG KONG – Passenger fuel surcharges for next month will be reduced by 3 to 4 percent, the Civil Aviation Department said. But Hong Kong tourism leaders said the cuts are too minuscule to encourage Hongkongers to take trips.

The maximum fuel surcharges for next month will be HK$24 for short-haul flights and HK$109 for long-haul flights. This means airlines will cut charges by between HK$1 and HK$3.

Cathay Pacific will cut both its short- haul and long-haul charges by HK$1.

United Airlines’ charges for long-haul flights (except Guam) will be HK$109, HK$3 down, while for short-haul flights it will be from HK$25 to HK$24.

A spokesman said the department will review the charges monthly.

Travel Industry Council executive director Joseph Tung Yao-chung said the reductions are too low to encourage travelers.

“There is only a little difference .. it will be better if they reduce the cost of the flight tickets,” Tung said.

Nevertheless, Tung said the motivation for Hongkongers to travel next month remains high, especially to destinations like Japan and South Korea.

“The currencies of these countries remain attractive … not only for people in Hong Kong, but also for those in other places such as the mainland,” Tung said.

However, fewer people are going to Europe as Hong Kong tourists are still concerned about terror attacks in Paris, France.

Tung believes it will take time for travelers to regain their confidence in Europe.

Tourism-sector lawmaker Yiu Si- wing said the fuel surcharges are only a “symbolic charge” to passengers as the oil price is low. But he said it would be a good time for the government to review the whole policy, such as linking the charges with international oil prices.