The contract was announced at a ceremony this week at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, attended by Capital A Chief Executive Officer and Advisor to AirAsia Group, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft Lars Wagner.

The event took place in the presence of the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada and the Honourable Christine Frechette, Premier of Quebec.

The purchase agreement makes AirAsia the first customer to order a 160-seat version of the  A220, an increase of 10 seats, made possible by adding extra overwing exits on each side of the aircraft.

The A220 complements AirAsia’s existing Airbus fleet and will play a key role in advancing the group’s network and growth. The aircraft will service destinations across ASEAN and into Central Asia, freeing up larger aircraft to fly longer routes.

“We have built AirAsia by making bold decisions at the right moment, not the easiest moment. This order reflects our long-term discipline and the scale of our ambitions. The A220 unlocks new markets and routes and brings us closer to building the world’s first true low-cost network carrier,” said Capital A CEO and Advisor to AirAsia Group Tony Fernandes. “Our partnership with Airbus spans more than two decades and has been central to everything we have achieved. Today is another milestone in that journey, and there are many more to come.”

“The A220 will provide an optimal platform for AirAsia, combining low operating costs with the range that will enable the carrier to open new routes across Asia and beyond,” commented Airbus CEO Commercial Aircraft Lars Wagner. “Airbus and AirAsia teams have been working tirelessly to reach this landmark agreement, which is fully aligned with the airline’s new network strategy.”

The A220 can carry between 100 and 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). At the end of March 2026, 501 A220s had been delivered to 25 operators worldwide.

(Source: Airbus)

The post AirAsia signs landmark A220 order appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The signing ceremony, witnessed by YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, marked an important step forward in strengthening Penang’s position as a premier destination for business events, corporate engagement, and industry networking.

Speaking at the ceremony, PCEB Chief Executive Officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said the partnership reflects a shared ambition to create value beyond the event itself.

“The Penang Golf Challenge is envisioned as a platform where business naturally happens. It brings together decision-makers, industry leaders, and corporate stakeholders in an environment that encourages genuine interaction and stronger relationships,” he noted.

Penang’s Chief Minister, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, commented: “The partnership demonstrates the kind of forward-thinking collaboration that will continue to support Penang’s growth. Marriott International is a globally recognised brand, and its involvement brings credibility, visibility, and access to wider corporate networks. This partnership aligns with Penang’s broader aspirations under Penang2030, as we continue to strengthen our competitiveness.”

The Penang Golf Challenge should evolve into an annual signature event that not only enhances business networking opportunities but also further positions Penang as a destination for business events and corporate engagement. 

Both PCEB and Marriott International Malaysia expressed confidence that this collaboration will deliver lasting value to the local industry and contribute positively to Penang’s continued development as a leading business events destination.

(Source: PCEB)

The post PCEB launches Penang Golf Challenge appeared first on TTR Weekly.

During the 26th Agency Programme Joint Council (APJC) Malaysia Meeting held on 4 May 2026, MATTA rejected the implementation of the new remittance frequency, saying discussions on this matter remain incomplete and counterproposals, along with concrete industry concerns, have not been fully addressed. 

“Despite this, IATA Malaysia insisted on proceeding, citing internal resolutions and directives from its headquarters, a position MATTA formally disputes,” MATTA said in a press statement.

MATTA emphasises that travel agencies in Malaysia are not IATA members but operate as IATA-accredited agents under the Passenger Agency Programme. As the national association representing these accredited agents, MATTA consistently advocates for transparent, consultative engagement on all regulatory and procedural matters impacting the industry.

“Any change that affects the financial and operational stability of accredited agents must be developed through a fair, transparent, and consultative process,” MATTA Vice President of Air Transportation, Dr Fazil Khan, stated. “The decision announced by IATA Malaysia does not reflect such a process.”

MATTA further clarified that, as IATA-accredited entities, each travel agency and tour operator must independently decide whether to comply with the new remittance frequency. MATTA does not have the authority to compel compliance or non-compliance.

Accordingly, MATTA will not assume responsibility for any consequences or adverse actions taken by IATA against agencies that choose not to comply with the revised requirements.

MATTA will escalate this matter to the Passenger Agency Programme Global Joint Council (PAPGJC) for further deliberation to secure a more balanced and equitable outcome for Malaysian-accredited agents.

MATTA remains committed to safeguarding the interests of the travel agency community and will continue to engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders.

(Source: MATTA)

The post MATTA files remittance objection with IATA appeared first on TTR Weekly.

MATTA President, Nigel Wong, said the shift towards electric mobility in tourism must be understood as a systemic transformation that extends beyond transport policy alone, involving energy planning, financial mechanisms, infrastructure development, and tourism governance.

He explained that without strong coordination between ministries and industry stakeholders, efforts to electrify tourism vehicles would remain fragmented and insufficient to achieve a meaningful impact.

“This is not simply about replacing petrol and diesel vehicles. It is about building a practical ecosystem that enables tourism operators to adopt EVs confidently, affordably, and at scale,” Wong explained.

MATTA highlighted international examples where strong, coordinated government action has successfully accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles across transport systems, including tourism mobility. 

Examples of EV uptake

In Norway, a comprehensive ecosystem of incentives, supportive policies, and an extensive nationwide charging network has driven widespread EV uptake, extending to rental car fleets that service key tourist routes, including fjords and other scenic travel corridors.

Across the European Union, coordinated climate policies within the broader decarbonisation framework have supported cities like Amsterdam and Paris in transitioning tourism transport services, including hotel shuttles and sightseeing fleets, towards electric mobility, with regulatory measures such as low-emission zones.

In China, strong state-led coordination has enabled rapid electrification, particularly in cities such as Shenzhen, where entire public bus fleets have transitioned to electric power. It demonstrates how large-scale tourism and urban transport systems can be transformed when infrastructure, incentives, and policy direction are aligned.

These international experiences demonstrate the importance of whole-of-government leadership in ensuring successful EV transitions.

“The common thread across these countries is not just investment in electric vehicles, but a coordinated policy and implementation framework that brings together energy, transport, and tourism under a unified direction,” said Wong.

He added that Malaysia already has a strong foundation through initiatives such as the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021–2030, which provides a strategic direction for reducing emissions in the transport sector while supporting economic development.

MATTA emphasised that Malaysia must now strengthen coordination across agencies to ensure the effective rollout of charging infrastructure at key tourism destinations, highways, and urban centres, and to provide targeted incentives to support tourism operators in transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles.

The association also highlighted the importance of integrating renewable energy into the EV ecosystem to ensure that emissions reductions are genuine and not shifted to other sectors.

MATTA also urged government-linked companies and public sector agencies to lead by example in adopting electric vehicles for official and tourism-related transport use, noting that public sector leadership would help build confidence and accelerate private sector adoption.

“Tourism is one of Malaysia’s most important economic sectors. If we want to remain competitive globally, we must align ourselves with international sustainability trends and ensure our mobility systems reflect that direction.”

Wong concluded that a whole-of-government approach is not only necessary but urgent, as it provides the coordination, scale, and policy certainty required to transform tourism mobility in a meaningful and sustainable way.

(Source: MATTA)

The post MATTA champions EV tourism vehicles appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Asian carriers also benefited from an upsurge in demand on Asia-Europe routes, as travellers shifted to alternative routings following airspace closures and operational disruptions at Middle East hubs.

For the month, a combined total of 33.9 million passengers flew on the region’s carriers, representing an 8.5% year-on-year increase. Demand, as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), rose by a solid 11.3%, reflecting strength on longer-haul routes. This increase in demand significantly outpaced the 1.9% year-on-year expansion in available seat capacity. As a result, the average international passenger load factor rose markedly, by 7.4 percentage points to a record high of 87.6% in March.

Supply chains were also disrupted by the war, leading to flight cancellations and the rerouting of Asia-Europe cargo flows away from key Middle East hubs. Against this backdrop, international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), rose by 2.5% year-on-year in March, supported by an increased demand for timely shipments. Offered freight capacity rose by 3.8%, resulting in a 0.7 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 62.3%.

Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General Wong Hong said: “The aviation industry faced multiple challenges in March, as military conflict in the Middle East led to flight cancellations and a sharp increase in jet fuel prices. Asia-Pacific airlines responded swiftly by making network adjustments, including adding flights on key Asia-Europe routes and trimming unprofitable routes amid higher fuel and operating costs. This supported both passenger and cargo demand during the month, bringing first-quarter growth to 6.2%, with 102 million international passengers carried, and a 5.7% increase in air cargo demand.”

Wong Hong added: “However, the impact of the Middle East conflict has begun to weigh on what had been an encouraging start to the year. Already grappling with high operating costs due to persistent supply chain issues, airlines are now facing additional strain, with jet fuel prices up by 80% year-on-year to an average of USD156 per barrel in March, compared to US$87 per barrel a year earlier. Fuel remains the single largest cost item for Asia Pacific carriers, accounting for around 30% of total operating expenses.”

Looking ahead, he concluded: “The duration of the Middle East conflict is going to add uncertainty to the global economic outlook and air travel demand. Against this backdrop, Asia-Pacific airlines continue to exercise vigilance over cost controls while maintaining international connectivity. The region’s airlines remain committed to the highest safety standards, and to working closely with governments and industry stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient and sustainable operations.”

(Source: AAPA)

The post AAPA reports March 2026 traffic results appeared first on TTR Weekly.

STB Chairman, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, led the session to gather feedback and proposals to present to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, and subsequently the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.

The session focused on the fuel crisis and its impact on tourism operators running island resorts, boat transfer services, and inland eco-tourism operations.

Operators reliant on diesel for generators and daily boat transfers said repeated applications for fuel subsidies have been unsuccessful despite multiple submissions.

Several operators said they are currently absorbing higher fuel costs to honour existing bookings made before recent price increases, limiting their ability to adjust package pricing.

(Source: Sabah Tourism Board)

The post Fuel crisis hits Sabah’s island resorts appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) was led by Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister of Sabah, while Tourism Malaysia was represented by its Chairman Datuk Manoharan Periasamy.

Manoharan briefed the Sabah delegation on Tourism Malaysia’s current focus, citing the geopolitical situation as a key factor behind a stronger emphasis on domestic tourism and on the ASEAN region as a priority market under the revised campaign period.

Joniston said STB would support continued coordination to ensure consistency in promotional direction between federal and state tourism initiatives. He said both parties recognised the importance of regular engagement to support the success of Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Sabah 2027. He added that Sabah would continue to emphasise cultural and nature-based tourism under its Visit Sabah 2027 campaign, with key cultural events such as Kaamatan playing a central role in strengthening destination identity.

Present at the meeting were: Tourism Malaysia Head of Secretariat for Visit Malaysia Year, Mohd Akbal Setia; Tourism Malaysia Corporate Communications Director, Yasmin Faezah Samsudin; STB Deputy Chairman, Datuk KL Tan; Deputy Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment of Sabah, Mary Malangking; STB Chief Marketing Officer, Josephine Chai; STB Special Officer, Normegawati Baiduri Sapian; STB Head of Research, Angeline Engchuan; and STB Head of Digital and Communications, David Michael.

(Source: Sabah Tourism Board)

The post Sabah and Tourism Malaysia discuss Visit Year plans appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Scheduled for 23 to 26 March 2028 in Kuching, in conjunction with World Tuberculosis Day, the conference is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates from across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, generating an estimated total economic impact of MYR8.2 million. It will be the first time APRC is hosted in Borneo and the second time in Malaysia since Kuala Lumpur in 2007. 

Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s most urgent public health challenges, driven by the rise of drug-resistant strains, delayed diagnoses, treatment adherence gaps, persistent stigma, and unequal access to healthcare. Across the Asia-Pacific, the diversity of healthcare systems further complicates coordinated control efforts. 

In Sarawak, efforts to strengthen early detection and access to care are already underway, including the adoption of portable handheld X-ray technology by the Bintulu Divisional Health Office to enhance tuberculosis screening, particularly in reaching underserved and remote communities. However, scaling these efforts across the region requires stronger collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange.

APRC 2028 will respond to this need by bringing together global and regional leaders to accelerate practical solutions in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, while strengthening partnerships across borders and sectors.

“APRC 2028 directly supports Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, where healthcare is not only about treatment, but about equity and inclusion. The Sarawak government’s support towards APRC 2028 is our commitment to ensuring that Sarawak’s healthcare system is inclusive, accessible, and leaves no one behind,” said 

Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Sarawak, Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian.

“Better prevention and control of tuberculosis and other lung diseases require strong collaboration between government, academia and communities to improve access, strengthen awareness, and build trust. This is critical in addressing stigma, ensuring people feel safe and supported to seek early diagnosis and treatment.” 

“We want to bridge science, policy, and practice for a tuberculosis-free future and better lung health for all, hence the APRC 2028 will feature a large-scale programme with workshops, plenaries, symposiums, and community outreach sessions to include all segments of society. We believe that everyone – government, associations, industry, academia and local communities – can be advocates for a tuberculosis-free future,” said the Organising Chairman of APRC 2028 and member of the Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis (MAPTB), Prof Dato Dr Abdul Razak bin Abdul Muttalif.

“Winning APRC 2028 reflects Sarawak’s growing reputation as the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo,” said Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) Acting Chief Executive Officer Jason Tan Chin Foo. “With strong government backing under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 and BESarawak’s legacy framework, we are committed to ensuring that APRC 2028 delivers meaningful legacy outcomes. By convening global experts and stakeholders, the conference will catalyse advancing solutions to critical health challenges, particularly tuberculosis, while contributing to long-term development goals aligned with national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.” 

APRC 2028 is organised by the Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis (MAPTB) in collaboration with the Sarawak State Health Department, Malaysian Thoracic Association, the Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Sarawak (ATAS), and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). APRC 2028 is supported by the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Sarawak and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).

For more information on events in Sarawak, visit: Business Events Sarawak. 

(Source: Your Stories — BESarawak)

The post Mega medical event heads for Kuching appeared first on TTR Weekly.

As the industry continues to evolve in complexity and global competitiveness, BE Associate is positioned as a platform that goes beyond conventional academic learning.

The programme, which is complementary for students to join, focuses on building long-term industry resilience by equipping participants with practical skills, real-world exposure and direct access to industry professionals, ensuring a continuous flow of capable talent into the ecosystem. 

“BE Associate reflects our commitment to strengthening the industry from within,” said PCEB CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran. “Sustainability in this context is about continuity — developing talent, enhancing capability, and ensuring the business events industry in Malaysia remains competitive, adaptive and future-ready. This programme is designed to bridge the gap between education and industry expectations.”

The initiative has gained strong support from the state’s leadership. Chief Minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow, commented: “The launch of BE Associate marks a significant step in strengthening Penang’s position as a leading business events destination. By investing in talent development and industry readiness, we are not only supporting the sector’s growth today but also ensuring its long-term resilience and global competitiveness. This initiative reflects our commitment to building a strong, future-ready workforce that will continue to drive Penang’s economic development.” 

Through a dynamic, flexible structure, BE Associate enables participants to engage with the industry in meaningful, practical ways. Students are not confined to traditional classroom learning but instead are immersed in real-event environments, gaining hands-on experience across various roles, from operational support to event execution. This exposure is complemented by direct mentorship from industry practitioners, allowing participants to seek guidance and insights in real time.

(Source: PCEB)

The post PCEB launches BE Associate scheme appeared first on TTR Weekly.

This decisive move is both timely and necessary. MATTA strongly supports the imposition of maximum penalties against offenders under the Tourism Industry Act 1992. Strict enforcement, including substantial fines and imprisonment, is critical to send an unequivocal message that non-compliance will not be tolerated.

President of MATTA Nigel Wong said: “We fully commend MOTAC and its partner agencies for taking firm and coordinated enforcement action. This is exactly the kind of sustained effort needed to address the long-standing issue of illegal operators in our industry.”

He added: “Enforcement must go hand-in-hand with impactful penalties. Imposing maximum penalties, including prison sentences where appropriate, will send a strong deterrent signal and demonstrate that Malaysia is serious about upholding the rule of law in tourism.

We wish to emphasise that these legal requirements apply to all parties, including individuals offering tourism-related services without proper licensing, whether through online platforms, social media, or physical channels. The law is clear that any person or entity conducting a tourism business without a valid licence commits an offence.

Wong stressed: “This is not limited to companies alone. Individuals who are operating illegally, including those marketing or selling tourism services online, must also be held accountable under the law.”

The issue of unlicensed operators is not merely a regulatory concern but a longstanding systemic problem that continues to undermine the tourism industry. It fuels unfair competition, results in tax leakages, compromises safety and service standards, and erodes traveller confidence in Malaysia as a safe and professionally managed destination.

“Illegal operators distort the market and create an uneven playing field. Licensed businesses that comply with regulations, invest in quality and pay taxes should not be disadvantaged by those who operate outside the system,” Wong said.

From a broader perspective, addressing illegal operations is also essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector. A sustainable industry must be built on strong governance, regulatory compliance, and a level playing field for all legitimate industry players.

Highlighting this, Wong noted: “If we are serious about building a sustainable tourism industry, enforcement is fundamental. Good governance and compliance are the foundations of long-term growth and resilience.”

In line with strengthening industry integrity, MATTA will continue to encourage its members to exercise due diligence when engaging or collaborating with third parties, ensuring all partnerships are conducted only with properly licensed operators to safeguard compliance and uphold industry credibility.

“Ultimately, what we want is to restore balance in the industry where legitimate operators can compete fairly, consumers are protected, and Malaysia’s reputation as a trusted destination is strengthened,” he added. This will, in turn, encourage investment, elevate professionalism, and strengthen the overall competitiveness of Malaysia’s tourism sector,” Wong concluded.

MATTA remains fully committed to working with MOTAC and relevant enforcement agencies to combat illegal operators and uphold the integrity of the tourism industry.

(Source: MATTA).

The post MATTA supports action on rogue travel firms appeared first on TTR Weekly.