Tourism Malaysia eyes Oceania expansion with launch of new route

Tourism Malaysia has ramped up its efforts to attract tourists from the Oceania region with the launch of Batik Air’s latest route between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Auckland (AKL), New Zealand.

The new route is expected to broaden Batik Air’s footprint both in the Asia Pacific and global markets while tapping into the huge tourism potential offered by New Zealand, according to a statement by the organisation.

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"We hope that tourists from New Zealand will take advantage of our reasonable rates and dedicated services to explore Malaysia and beyond, by connecting to one of the other intriguing locations we fly to,” said Chandran Rama Muthy, group strategy director of Batik Air and Lion Group.

Muthy also explained that the Kuala Lumpur and Auckland route extends not only to Malaysians who wish to visit Auckland but also to New Zealanders. They will have the opportunity to explore Malaysian destinations such as Penang, Langkawi, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu to name a few.

Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof, the senior director for Tourism Malaysia’s International Promotion Division has said that New Zealand is an important market, according to reports by The Star.

From now until 3 September 2023, Tourism Malaysia will also be embarking on a week-long sales mission and product seminar in Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Representatives from Tourism Malaysia will engage with tourism operators, government representatives and travel agents in Oceania as part of the initiative, said Yusof.

Yusof also added that as of June this year, Malaysia has welcomed 17,972 visitors from New Zealand which is an increase from that of previous years and highlights a promising trajectory between both countries.

Malaysia has also been expanding on its presence in Brunei as Malaysia and Brunei will be going ahead with the opening of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATO) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei which aims to strengthen tourism cooperation between Brunei and Sarawak.

In a joint statement by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkia at the 24th Annual Leaders’ Consultation, both parties emphasised their joint commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries as they celebrate the 40th Anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2024.

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