Expanding air links to secondary cities key to spreading tourism growth, says Minister Tiong

Tiong speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between Tourism Malaysia and Batik Air in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 27, 2026. Photo: Dato Seri Tiong King Sing/Facebook

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Jan 28: Expanding air connectivity to secondary and emerging cities is critical to ensuring tourism growth is spread more evenly across Malaysia and not concentrated only in major gateways, said Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

In a Facebook post today, Tiong highlighted the importance of regional air links following the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Tourism Malaysia and Batik Air in Kuala Lumpur last night (Jan 27), saying the agreement would strengthen connectivity, boost joint promotions, and support sustainable tourism development.

Tiong (third right) with Tourism Malaysia and Batik Air representatives at the Memorandum of Collaboration signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 27, 2026. Photo: Dato Seri Tiong King Sing/Facebook

He said connectivity today goes beyond the availability of flights, noting that good air links make destinations more attractive and play a significant role in shaping travellers’ first and last impressions of their journey.

“Airlines shape both the first and last impressions of a visitor’s journey,” he said, adding that strong connectivity helps build confidence among travellers and enhances the overall travel experience.

Tiong said Batik Air plays a strategic role in supporting the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign through closer cooperation with Tourism Malaysia, stronger regional connectivity and by opening access to high-potential secondary and emerging cities beyond Malaysia’s main gateways.

He commended Batik Air for its willingness to operate routes that many airlines are hesitant to serve due to higher risks, describing such efforts as crucial in ensuring tourism growth is not focused solely on major urban centres.

“These efforts are important to ensure tourism growth is spread more evenly across Malaysia, allowing more states and local communities to benefit,” he said.

Tiong added that each destination has its own culture, heritage, flavours and stories to share, and that better access enables travellers to experience Malaysia in its full diversity.

As competition in the aviation sector intensifies, he said airlines must continue to raise standards not only in pricing, but also in reliability, punctuality and service quality, all of which contribute to visitors’ trust and influence their decision to return.

He also highlighted the role of travel agents and tourism partners as a vital link between destinations and travellers, noting their importance in shaping travel choices and experiences while carrying Malaysia’s story to the global market.

Tiong said strong cooperation between airlines, Tourism Malaysia and the travel trade is essential to building a balanced, resilient and sustainable tourism ecosystem.

“Moving forward, MOTAC will continue to support partnerships that strengthen industry capability, improve visitor experience and deliver real outcomes for the tourism ecosystem,” he said.

With Visit Malaysia 2026 now underway, he said the ministry looks forward to working even more closely with Batik Air, Tourism Malaysia and tourism partners to ensure Malaysia remains a competitive, credible and welcoming destination for the world. — DayakDaily