KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines is seeking to attract more international arrivals through strategic partnerships with state tourism boards in Penang, Sarawak and Langkawi, Kedah.
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) chief commercial officer Dersenish Aresandiran said the initiative opens new opportunities to grow tourism, empower local communities and deliver world-class travel powered by digital innovation.
“As we prepare to welcome the world to Visit Malaysia 2026, our mission is clear — to showcase Malaysia as a must-visit destination and ensure every journey with us is seamless, memorable and proudly Malaysian,” he said in a statement.
The three partners are Penang Global Tourism, Sarawak Tourism Board and the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada).
MAG said the collaborations build on Malaysia Airlines’ “Time For” campaign and its Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme, which allows international travellers to extend their journeys beyond gateway cities.
Malaysia Airlines and Lada are expected to formalise a two-year memorandum of understanding in the fourth quarter to reinforce Langkawi’s position as one of Malaysia’s most iconic destinations.
The partnership will highlight Langkawi’s Unesco Global Geopark status, promoting sustainable growth and boosting its international profile as the Jewel of Kedah.
In collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board, Malaysia Airlines will expand its BST programme to include Kuching, while its partnership with Penang Global Tourism aims to elevate the state as a premier gateway and stopover destination.
MAG said these initiatives are part of a broader nation-building agenda positioning tourism as a driver of growth, cultural celebration and national pride.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
