STB and MAG collaboration to boost tourism in Sarawak
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, which would see Sarawak becoming a destination of choice among domestic and international travellers in 2022.
The MoU was signed in Kuala Lumpur by STB’s CEO, Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, and Group Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of Malaysia Airlines Berhad, Lau Yin May, and was witnessed by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board, Dennis Ngau, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, Hii Chang Kee, and Group CEO of Malaysia Aviation Group, Captain Izham Ismail.
The MoU marked the start of a year-long partnership to promote Sarawak as a preferred tourist destination in 2022, via events between STB, Malaysia Airlines Berhad, Firefly, MASwings, and MHholidays. STB and MAG will also work together on inter-organisational partnerships for Sarawak tourism activities, CSR activities, and other collaborations.
“Connectivity and accessibility are important elements to enhance travel experience and position Sarawak as a leading destination for eco-tourism in the ASEAN Region,” said Karim when speaking at the event, adding that Sarawak had recently approved more domestic flight frequencies into Sarawak from 307 flights to 562 flights per week beginning Jan 14.
“We look forward to seeing more direct routes from West Malaysia and to more parts of Sarawak soon” he added.
Sharzede said Malaysia Airlines would be Sia Sitok Sarawak Plus’ official airline, while MAB, Firefly, MASwings and MHholidays would come on board as STB’s strategic partners on future marketing campaigns to promote Sarawak’s tourism activities and cultural events.
“Most importantly, through this collaboration between STB and MAG, there will be an increase of connectivity into Sarawak, with more direct flights from Penang, Johor and Kuala Lumpur to look forward to,” Sharzede enthused.
Captain Izham is also optimistic about the partnership.
“We look forward to welcoming our customers to fly “Sia Sitok” with us and experience our enhanced products and services with a range of flexibility and choices, seamless connectivity and contactless end-to-end journey while keeping to our utmost priority and commitment to safety. Together, the three airlines under MAG offer strong value propositions to the state of Sarawak – with better services, convenience and reliability,” he said.
Yesterday’s event also witnessed the launch of STB’s Sia Sitok Sarawak Plus interstate travel campaign, which allows travellers to visit Sarawak through Kuching, Sibu and Miri, with Malaysia Airlines as the official airline.
Customers can also enjoy attractive hotel and flight packages via MHholidays, which choices that include New World Suites in Bintulu, The Waterfront Hotel in Kuching, Grand Palace Hotel in Miri, and RH Hotel in Sibu.
MHholidays packages include 40kg baggage allowance, complimentary onboard meals and seat selection, and allows you to earn Enrich points. Booking can be made at www.holidays.malaysiaairlines.com. In addition, customers can also book exclusive tour packages on Journify from just RM95.
The Sia Sitok Sarawak Plus interstate travel campaign offers 57 exhilarating packages to Sarawak. Booking starts now until Feb 28, for travels between now and Apr 30, 2022.
