Staff reporter
Cathay Pacific Airways (0293) is to relaunch non-stop passenger flights from Hong Kong to Riyadh this October, after a gap of more than seven years.
The news came as Miramar Hotel and Investment (0071) said the occupancy rate at its flagship hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui has returned to the 90 percent mark on the back of an influx of tourists.
Cathay Pacific last operated the Riyadh flight in March 2017 using an Airbus A330.
The service will start on October 28 with three return flights per week on the airline's modern A350-900 aircraft, featuring business, premium economy and economy cabins.
In a signing ceremony together with Saudi Air Connectivity Program yesterday, Cathay chief executive Ronald Lam Siu-por said Cathay's direct flights to the capital and financial center of Saudi Arabia will contribute to business, trade and tourism between China and the Middle Eastern country.
Lam added that Cathay supports the government's Belt and Road Initiative, and already serves 21 destinations in 14 participating countries.
In addition, Lam mentioned that the passenger capacity has returned to 80 percent of the pre-pandemic levels and is expected to reach full recovery by the first quarter of next year.
Saudi ACP chief executive Majid Khan said the launch of non-stop flights marks a milestone for Saudi Arabia's efforts to be a popular tourist destination.
He said that 100 million tourists visited Saudi Arabia last year, including 27 million international tourists. By 2030, Saudi targets to attract 5 million Chinese visitors.
Meanwhile, in more cheering news for the city's tourism industry, Miramar said The Mira Hong Kong has not been affected by the lower spending among mainland tourists with occupancy rates exceeding 90 percent in the second quarter.
Chairman Martin Lee Ka-shing said the hotel is located in the core area of Tsim Sha Tsui, which is a tourist hub.
He said Miramar's hotel revenues have recovered to 88 percent of the peak levels in 2018.
When asked about the northbound travel trend among Hongkongers, Lee said the occupancy rate of shops in Miramar's properties has remained above 90 percent as the company has kept adjusting its retail portfolio.
Lee believes more tourists will come to Hong Kong and boost local retail sales, as the number of cities under the individual visit scheme targeting mainlanders has increased by 10 to 59, while a series of mega-events in Hong Kong will also attract more visitors and boost spending.
Ronald Lam and Majid Khan announce the new service.
