Malaysia Airlines and State Tourism Boards Unite for Visit Malaysia Year 2026

Malaysian Airlines formed a strategic partnership with the country’s tourism boards during the MATTA Fair, held from September 5th to 7th, 2025. The airline highlights Malaysia’s beauty through the Time For Campaign, which has received global recognition in countries such as Australia, India, China, Europe, and more. Additionally, Malaysia Airlines showcases the nation’s diversity through the Bonus Side Trip Programme, allowing international travelers to explore destinations beyond the main gateway cities.

Here is a list of partnerships established with the airline:

1) Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) – Elevating Langkawi’s Global Profile

Malaysia Airlines and LADA are preparing to formalize a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will highlight the island’s status as a UNESCO Global Geopark and promote it as the Jewel of Kedah.

2) Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) – Unlocking New Access to Sarawak

Malaysia Airlines expanding BST programme to include Kuching, giving global travellers easy access to Sarawak’s rainforest, biodiversity, and rich culture.

3) Penang Global Tourism (PGT) – Elevating Penang as a Gateway to Asia

Both parties, currently participating in the BST program, will launch joint marketing campaigns to enhance Penang’s visibility in key international markets. The aim is to highlight the island’s heritage, food, and arts, positioning it not merely as a stopover but as a must-visit destination in Malaysia itineraries.

Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has stated, “Malaysia Airlines is more than a carrier; we are proud to carry the nation’s name across the skies and act as Malaysia’s storyteller to the world. By joining hands with our state tourism boards, we are unlocking new opportunities to grow tourism, empower local communities, and deliver world-class travel powered by digital innovation. As we prepare to welcome the world for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), our mission is clear – to showcase Malaysia as a must-visit destination and ensure every journey with us is seamless, memorable, and proudly Malaysian.”

These collaborations are poised to boost Malaysia’s tourism efforts in anticipation of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, while also enhancing the national carrier’s role in defining Malaysia’s identity and driving economic growth.