KL seeks links with foreign airlines to boost tourism

KL seeks links with foreign airlines to boost tourism

Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is seeking tie-ups with foreign airlines to boost visitor numbers in an effort to defy a regional tourism slump in the wake of the terror attacks on the U.S., a report said Saturday.

Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir told the New Straits Times that he would seek collaboration with international carriers to promote Malaysia as part of destinations in their travel packages.

He said ministry officials have approached Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.

"So far, these airlines have showed their interest in this collaboration which would most probably take off by next year," Abdul Kadir said.

"This is indeed a win-win situation for all. Aside from helping to boost the tourism industry and the airlines' passenger volume, the collaboration would also allow all parties concerned to equally share the promotion expenses."

Abdul Kadir said such a move would also benefit loss-making national flag Malaysia Airlines, as it could come in as the connecting flight to participating carriers which do not fly to Malaysia.

He said he would visit the top management of airline companies and television stations in the Middle East countries by the end of the month to discuss possible cooperation.

The ministry was trying to entice airlines such as the Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air and Saudia to increase their flights to Malaysia, he added.

Following the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington, the number of big spending U.S. tourists visiting Asia has declined sharply, according to analysts.