Twin air disasters threaten Malaysian tourism push

Kuala Lumpur: An unprecedented second major aviation disaster in four months could further associate Malaysia with calamity in the eyes of travellers, observers warn, putting the tropical destination's vital tourism sector at risk.

Even before Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down on Thursday over rebel-held eastern Ukraine in an apparent missile strike, killing all 298 people on board, Malaysian tourism was under a cloud following the MH370 debacle.

Malaysia's March 8 loss of a jumbo jet with 239 people aboard and its widely mocked response hurt the country's image worldwide.

With most of the passengers on MH370 Chinese, tourist arrivals from China, a key source of visitors on which Malaysia has pinned much of its hopes for further development of the sector, dropped in the aftermath.

While the circumstances of the two disasters are markedly distinct, perception is key in branding, and the latest tragedy is expected to complicate efforts to repair Brand Malaysia's image.

"Malaysia's competency and governance are not under the spotlight to the same degree as in MH370," Bridget Welsh, a Malaysia researcher at National Taiwan University, said.

"This said, Malaysia Airlines and travel to Malaysia will be affected outside of Malaysia. The effects will not be as serious as MH370 but overall negative."

Some in the tourism sector, however, say any impact may be short-lived as discerning travellers will continue to be drawn by Malaysia's pristine rainforests and beaches, vibrant multi-culturalism and food scene and an overall safe and friendly environment.

Malaysia drew 25 million visitors in 2013 and US dollar 20 billion in tourism receipts, according to official data. Hopes were high for 2014, which the government declared "Visit Malaysia Year" with plans to ramp up international promotional efforts centring on its years-long "Malaysia: Truly Asia" campaign familiar to many in the region. Goals of 28 million visitors and US dollar 24 billion receipts were set.

The China Business News reported on Monday that concern over travelling on Malaysia Airlines, a major feeder of visitors to the country, has crimped arrivals by more than 40 per cent since MH370, citing figures collected from Chinese travel agencies.