Malaysia Airlines has cemented its role as the national carrier by
formalising a series of strategic partnerships with the nation’s state tourism
boards during the recent MATTA Fair – Malaysia’s largest consumer travel
showcase. These partnerships build on the airline’s signature Time For
campaign, which is currently running across global markets including Australia,
Europe, India, China and beyond — showcasing the unique stories of Malaysia
through a series of activations. Together with the Bonus Side Trip (BST)
programme, which allows international travellers to extend their journeys
beyond gateway cities, Malaysia Airlines is strengthening the visibility of
Malaysia’s diverse destinations on the world stage.
Through these initiatives, Malaysia Airlines aims to attract more
international arrivals, deliver seamless, personalised, and rewarding travel
experiences, and reinforce its ambition to position Malaysia as a premier hub
in Asia ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines from
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) said, “Malaysia Airlines is more than a carrier;
we are proud to carry the nation’s name across the skies and act as Malaysia’s
storyteller to the world. By joining hands with our state tourism boards, we
are unlocking new opportunities to grow tourism, empower local communities, and
deliver world-class travel powered by digital innovation. As we prepare to
welcome the world for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), our mission is clear
– to showcase Malaysia as a must-visit destination and ensure every journey
with us is seamless, memorable, and proudly Malaysian.”
Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) - Elevating Langkawi’s Global Profile
Malaysia Airlines and LADA are set to formalise a two-year
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Q4 2025 to strengthen Langkawi’s position
as one of Malaysia’s most iconic destinations. Building on the Bonus Side Trip
(BST) programme and the recent Malaysia Airlines Trade Elevation Summit, the
partnership will drive international arrivals and highlight Langkawi’s unique
status as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to sustainable
tourism growth, with Langkawi promoted as the Jewel of Kedah on the global
stage ahead of VMY2026.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) – Unlocking New Access to Sarawak
Through the partnership with STB, Malaysia Airlines will be
extending its BST programme to include Kuching, unlocking the gateway to
Sarawak’s cultural and natural treasures for international travellers. This
targeted move is expected to boost arrivals from long-haul markets seeking
authentic experiences.
By positioning Sarawak’s rainforests, biodiversity, and living
culture on the global travel map, the partnership will not only draw visitors
but also channel benefits to local communities, reinforcing Sarawak as a unique
and competitive destination ahead of VMY2026.
Penang Global Tourism (PGT) – Elevating Penang as a Gateway to Asia
Malaysia Airlines officiated a partnership to establish Penang as a
premier gateway and stopover destination. Currently a destination under the BST
programme, both parties will launch joint marketing campaigns to further
strengthen Penang’s visibility in key international markets.
With its world-famous heritage, food, and culture, Penang will be
promoted as both a stand-alone destination and an essential part of wider
itineraries across Malaysia, amplifying its role in attracting international
arrivals during Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Nation-Building Through Tourism and Marketing Excellence
As Malaysia’s national carrier, Malaysia Airlines continues to play
an integral role in shaping the country’s global identity and supporting
economic progress. The BST programme exemplifies this mission by encouraging
international travellers to explore beyond gateway cities and discover
Malaysia’s diverse secondary destinations.
These partnerships not only strengthen the tourism ecosystem but
also reinforce Malaysia Airlines’ nation-building agenda – championing
collaboration, celebrating cultural diversity, and ensuring that tourism
remains a powerful driver of growth and pride for the nation.
-Malaysia Airlines.