MAB Looking Towards Business and Leisure Markets with Penang-Kuching

28th Nov 2016

This weekend, Malaysia Airlines held a business-to-business (B2B) meeting at the Cititel with an idea to promote its new direct route between Penang and Kuching and also to promote tourism between the two destinations.

When asked about why Malaysia Airlines Bhd specifically chose to fly directly from Penang to Kuching, Alias Suut, MAB Assistant Manager of Sales from Brunei and Sarawak explained that, while the primary target for the route were the premium customers, the airline does not discount the leisure traveller either.

He said:

We see potential in the route due to high traffic of business-related travels in the region.

Alias also added that, since Penang experienced a high flow of business traffic, this could help Sarawakians tap into the international traffic via Penang International Airport.

Prominent Travel Agencies Took Part in the Session

A number of well-known travel agencies, including Borneo Exploration Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd (Borneo Exploration) and Inter-Continental Travel Centre Sdn Bhd (Inter-Continental Travel) also took part in the session.

Both Billy Kitang, Assistant Manager for Marketing and Operations at Borneo Exploration and Azizah Zaidan, Managing Director of Inter-Continental Travel commented on MAB’s newest direct route.

Speaking about this, Mr. Kitang said he believes the route would benefit both people in Penang and Sarawak, as the first ones could enjoy the cultural and natural heritage of Sarawak, while the later could take pleasure in Penang’s leisure attraction and food.

Zaidan said:

While both destinations offer different attractions and incentives for travellers and tourists, there are many cultural similarities between Penang and Sarawak, which would benefit tourism between the two destinations. After all, we both share the same language – the same Hokkien – making us closer.

She also said:

The timing of flight runs from around mid-morning to early afternoon – perfect for the leisure segment, as well as being an attractive returning flight option for business travellers.

Inter-Continental Travel Managing Director also said the session was very helpful in promoting partnerships between Penang and Sarawak and suggested that this becomes a regular thing, where travel agencies can be updated on their operations and travel services and package attractive and competitive.