With domestic and international travel in full swing, Firefly and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) chapters of Johor and Penang signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to pave the way for greater collaboration and partnership.
The signing ceremony was held at the St Giles Wembley Hotel here.
Taking cognizant of the changing business landscape and developments, the MOU will enable Penang and Johor MATTA members to harness Firefly’s weekly services between Penang and Johor Bahru.
On hand at the signing ceremony was Philip See, Chief Executive Officer of Firefly, Matta Penang Chapter chairman Vergis Mathews, Johor Chapter deputy chairman, Kathryn Lee in the presence of Datuk Tan Kok Liang, MATTA President and Jonathan Freddy Bagang, Penang Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac).
Under the MOU, MATTA-registered travel agents in Johor and Penang will be able to sell a special package of 3days/2nights for two passengers at RM599.
This includes airfare, hotel accommodation and breakfast for two.
This is a special incentive to promote inbound and domestic tourism and is valid for one year until July 27, 2023.
“Inbound and domestic tourism is a staple of Firefly’s operations. Johor and Penang are our key markets in the network. Overall, we have seen a steady and gradual uptake of domestic travel – such options are accessible and affordable for many of our customers.” said See.
He also added that they will start direct flights to Phuket from the Penang International Airport (PIA) in August. This will further be expanded to destinations to Indonesia and the Philippines and ASEAN cities at a later stage with their Boeing 737 jets.
Vergis added that domestic tourism is getting back in a big way and travel agents must take advantage to offer new packages to entice holiday makers.
“Tourismis strengthens the economy and creates jobs for the country, In this new normal, innovative, and creative options with numerous players in the tourism industry will encourage travel and local holidays for everyone. With Firefly as our partner, our aim is two-fold which is to revive the magic of air travel and encourage domestic holidays for our customers,” added Mathews.
Meanwhile, Tan described the collaboration as an important initiative to grow inbound tourism for Penang and Johor. We are working on various other initiatives to promote inbound tourism across the country.” said Datuk Tan.
The special travel package is only available for purchase at MATTA registered travel agents and inbound tour operators.
Also present was Ms Lisa Wong, MAS Area Manager Northern, Matta deputy president Mohd Akil Yusof, Honorary Treasurer, Nigel Wong, Hon secretary general, Faeez Fadhlillah, Matta Penang deputy chairman Carolyn Leong along with Matta representatives from the various states.
