KOTA KINABALU, 29 September
2023 – Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malaysia Aviation Group
(MAG), is pleased to launch its latest brochure "Fly Borneo Specials Vol.1
– The Adventure Begins Here!”, as part of Tourism Malaysia’s vigorous efforts
in promoting intra- and interstate travel in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan via
airline partners through Firefly and MASwings.
More than forty-four
thematic holiday packages, from a day trip to a week-long tour, have been
created to cater for every interest and age level, including airfare and ground
tours. Highlighting Malaysian Borneo destinations, these affordable packages
are also compiled in digital and printed brochures for travellers to explore
the states’ rugged adventures, colourful cultures and exotic flora and fauna.
The launching ceremony was
officiated by Dato’ Dr Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia,
and attended by Mr Suresh Singam, Chief Operating Officer of MASwings. Also
present were Ms Noredah Othman, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board; Mr Ibrahim Othman,
Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) Sabah;
Ms Nurhayati Aziz Rashid, Head, Central Region of MAG; Mr Chali Awang, Area
Sales Manager of MAG; Mr Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin, Senior Deputy Director of
Corporate Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia and Ms Trecey J Tojuka,
Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia Sabah.
Dato’ Dr Ammar said: “The
collaboration with MAG signifies the milestone in boosting domestic traffic,
particularly in East Malaysia via the airline’s network. Hence, I hope this
brochure will help further stimulate tourism in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan as
Firefly and MASwings have joined forces to offer discounted airfares and tour base
fares to support the local holiday packages bundle.”
"Furthermore, the
domestic tourists to Malaysian Borneo, namely Sabah, recorded a total of
853,100 arrivals from January to June 2023, as compared to 664,533 in the same
period of 2022, thus showing an uptick of 22%. This latest statistic undeniably
indicates a positive tourism growth for Sabah.”
Meanwhile, Mr Ahmad Luqman
Mohd Azmi, Chief Executive Officer of Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group,
said: “MAG takes pride in serving as the airline partner for the Fly Borneo
Specials Vol. 1 campaign by Tourism Malaysia. Since Firefly expanded its
services intra Sarawak and Sabah, our mission has been to enhance connectivity
within these regions. Therefore, this collaboration is important to accelerate the
tourism opportunities and reach new market segmentation, especially to local
industry players.”
With stunning natural
landscapes, as well as rich in history and culture, travellers can grab these
all-inclusive packages, starting as low as RM210 per person and visit Malaysian
Borneo’s tourist attractions such as the geopark & shipwreck diving in
Labuan, the enchanting city of Kuching and Mulu National Park, beautiful
islands, mountains and wildlife in Sabah, offered by 30 tour agents.
