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.