Thailand a test market for AirAsiaGo and Tourism Malaysia packages

Tourism Malaysia and AirAsiaGo pioneered a new market product with packages offered under the AirAsiaGo brand and named “Go Malaysia.” Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof, director of Tourism Malaysi, Thailand Office said: “Thailand is one of the biggest source markets for Malaysia with some 1.5 million travelers in 2010. And with rising purchasing power, due among others to the strengthening Baht, Malaysia is a great place for a holiday."

The aim is to provide a one-stop service center for Thai travelers wishing to come to Malaysia providing good value travel packages by integrating all components of a trip such as flights, hotels, rental cars, and events. “We want to make Malaysia affordable, fun, and tailor-made for individuals,” said Darren Goh, head of AirAsiaGo, underlining that AirAsia offers 91 weekly frequencies between both countries. On AirAsiaGo's revamped website, travelers can find offers from 1,000 hotels, ranging from budget accommodation to boutique hotel or luxury resorts.

Special promotion prices have been introduced to launch the new “Go Malaysia” packages with all-inclusive offers including two nights accommodation starting as low as THB 4,999 (US$166) per person. The prices are valid for travel until the end of March and cover destinations such as Penang out of Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur out of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, and Phuket.

Other destinations in West and East Malaysia are also available mostly via Kuala Lumpur (KL). “Of course, connecting beyond KL will be slightly more expensive, as we have to add the fare of another ticket. But we will still have very attractive packages, which are on average 35 percent to 40 percent cheaper than individual bookings. We target at least some 10,000 travelers with our offer, and we are very keen to look at specific niche markets such as people interested in sport events or shopping freaks,” added Mr. Goh. For Tourism Malaysia, the AirAsiaGo offer is ideal to promote shopping tourism. “Thai[s] loves to shop, and with our sales events taking place three times a year, 'Go Malaysia' packages are just perfect for a last-minute shopping spree,” told Mr. Yusof.

Looking at the success of “Go Malaysia” packages, AirAsiaGo and Tourism Malaysia could include other countries into their campaign such as Indonesia or Singapore. “But we chose Thailand as a test market, as we found that consumers react far more rapidly than Indonesia for example,” said Mr. Goh.

Sourced=ETN