Malaysian tourism continues to spread its wings through a combination of partnerships and promotions on the global stage. Most recently, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with Qatar Airways, which is expected to boost arrivals from the Middle East, Europe and the USA.
Officials have been quick to applaud the new agreement, highlighting its potential to raise Malaysia’s profile and provide access to new and established markets. By leveraging Qatar Airways’ extensive international networks, Malaysia intends to put its own unique attractions firmly on the map.
“With the reopening of international borders and an increase in the demand for air travel, we believe the strategic cooperation will increase awareness of our attractions and more initiatives will take place to help boost tourist arrivals to Malaysia,” said tourism minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, in a speech that followed the signing ceremony on 1 September.
“As we continue to navigate recovery from the pandemic, this MoC works as a platform to increase the choice of flights, wider destinations and greater flexibility on top of the excellent service hospitality offered by Qatar Airways,” she added.
The partnership will create more medium- and long-haul flights to Malaysia from key cities throughout the western hemisphere and into the Middle East, while also ramping up the level of luxury that passengers can expect en route. This blend of convenience, comfort and additional choice could me the key to supporting growth and maximising Malaysia’s potential.
“We are delighted to be working closely with Tourism Malaysia to further support tourism growth in the popular Southeast Asian country,” said Qatar Airways group chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker. “With international borders now open and travel demand returning, Qatar Airways also looks forward to connecting more travellers to Malaysia and the world.”
