Gulf Air and a high-level delegation from Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) have agreed to set up a task force to study possibilities of joint co-operation to promote the upcoming 50 years of Malaysia's nationhood.
The task force to promote “Visit Malaysia 2007” was agreed during talks between Gulf Air Vice President Business Units Ali Murtada, Vice President Marketing and Sales Lee Shave and the Malaysian delegation headed by MTPB’s Deputy Director General Datin Dalilah Ahmad.
"Malaysia is one of the popular destinations for Arabs as it has been witnessing a steady increase in the tourist's arrival over the years from the GCC countries and we are expecting a significant jump in the tourists arrival in 2007," said Ms Ahmad, quoting statistics.
Around 147,646 Gulf tourist visited Malaysia last year up from 123,000 in 2004, says Ahmad.
"Gulf Air has been flying to Kuala Lumpur for years and its Holiday Division, Gulf Air Holidays, has been offering travellers fantastic, value-for-money holiday packages to various destinations including Malaysia," said Mr Murtada.
"Now with the biggest network in the Middle East, the airline is best positioned to cooperate with MTPB.”
During summer, Gulf Air flies six flights a week to Kuala Lumpur.
The two sides also discussed the possibilities of code-sharing between Gulf Ai and Malaysia Airlines.
The delegation comprised of Amirrudin Abu, Director, International Promotion Division, Syed Muhadzir Jamallulil, Director, (UAE, Gulf & Iran) of Tourism Malaysia, Halimy Mahmoud, Regional Vice President (Middle East and Africa), Malaysian Airlines and Anwar Udzir Second Secretary, Embassy of Malaysia in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air’s ’smart airline, successful business’ vision.
International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline’s innovative and high quality products and services: These include:
• Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
• Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
• Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
• World’s Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
• Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
• Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
• Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
• Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
• Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
• Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
• Middle East region’s best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007
