Latest news with #AgathaYap
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Tourism Malaysia, Scoot sign pact to boost tourist arrivals
SINGAPORE: Tourism Malaysia has signed a strategic three-year partnership with Singapore Airline subsidiary, low-cost carrier Scoot to bring in a bigger volume of international tourists to Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and beyond. The three-year Memorandum of Collaboration was inked at the Scoot headquarters in Singapore on Thursday between the top management of Scoot and Tourism Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said the strategic partnership with Scoot is crucial in efforts to promote Malaysia to wider global audiences. 'Scoot has a very extensive network in this region and in the global arena. This collaboration is very crucial for Tourism Malaysia as we prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 'This timely deal will allow us to tap into the high regional and global markets serviced by Scoot. 'As of May, Malaysia recorded a year-on-year surge of 20.4% in international tourists arrivals. This is a 16.9 million increase in the number of foreign tourists. 'Singapore remains top with 8.3 million arrivals, followed by Indonesia, China, Thailand and India,' he said, adding that Malaysia hopes to welcome 43 million international tourists by the year-end. Scoot director of marketing, communications and loyalty Agatha Yap described the partnership with Tourism Malaysia as 'very exciting'. 'Malaysia is a very important market for us. Scoot operates 115 weekly flights to 11 destinations (comprising) Ipoh, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Kuching, Langkawi, Malacca, Miri, Penang, Sibu and Subang. On Oct 26, we will start flights to Kota Bharu.' She said Scoot will promote Malaysia through co-branded campaigns to attract tourists from China, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and other markets. Also present at the signing event were Scoot chief commercial officer Calvin Chan, director of Tourism Malaysia (Singapore office) Norliza Md Zain and High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore Datuk Azfar Mohamad Mustafar.
BusinessToday
5 days ago
- Business
- BusinessToday
Visit Malaysia 2026: Scoot Partnership Set To Drive Tourism Growth
Scoot Chief Commercial Officer, Calvin Chan, Scoot Director of Marketing, Communications and Loyalty, Agatha Yap, Director of Tourism Malaysia (Singapore), Norliza Md Zain and High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, H E Dato' Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, and Tourism Malaysia have signed a three-year Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to promote Malaysia as a top travel destination in the run-up to Visit Malaysia 2026. The MoC, effective until August 2028, aims to enhance visibility of Malaysian cities through integrated marketing campaigns, co-branded initiatives, targeted digital promotions, and familiarisation trips. Scoot Chief Commercial Officer, Calvin Chan and High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, H E Dato' Dr. Azfar Mohamad Mustafar (Left to Right) The partnership will focus on key regional markets, including Australia, China, Indonesia and Singapore. Scoot currently operates 115 weekly flights to 11 Malaysian cities and is set to launch services to Kota Bharu on October 26 2025, increasing its network to 12 cities. Tourism Malaysia Director General Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said the collaboration comes at a crucial time as Malaysia ramps up efforts for Visit Malaysia 2026. 'Leveraging Scoot's extensive network will allow us to tap into high-potential regional markets. As of May 2025, Malaysia recorded a 20.4% year-on-year surge in international arrivals to 16.9 million, with Singapore being the top source market,' he said. Scoot's Director of Marketing, Communications and Loyalty, Agatha Yap, expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting Malaysia's appeal and the convenience of a 30-day visa-free stay for regional travellers.
BusinessToday
04-08-2025
- BusinessToday
The Rise of Solo Travel Among Young Malaysians
Solo travel is fast becoming a mainstream choice among Malaysian travellers, with 94% expressing an intention to travel alone and 61% having already done so. This shift reflects a growing desire for self-directed exploration, where travel is less about ticking boxes and more about personal enrichment. According to a YouGov survey commissioned by Scoot across five Asia-Pacific countries, solo adventures are now seen by many Malaysians as a rite of passage rather than a rare exception. Young Malaysians are leading the charge, with millennials making up 38%—the largest group—of solo travellers and would-be explorers. Their enthusiasm is reflected in frequency: six in ten respondents took more than one solo trip in the past year, and more than a quarter (27%) took three or more. These figures underline how solo holidays are no longer on the fringe—they've become a core feature of the modern Malaysian travel landscape. Freedom, Flexibility and Focus on Wellbeing One of the most compelling motivations for Malaysians travelling solo is the freedom to tailor their own itinerary. Over half of the respondents (56%) cited flexibility as a key driver, while 53% appreciated the opportunity to focus on themselves. For many, the ability to travel independently is not just about seeing new places—it's about stepping back from daily demands and reconnecting with personal interests and wellbeing. This mindset shift aligns with the growing global trend towards mindfulness and self-care. Independence resonates deeply, too, with 49% valuing the ability to explore new places at their own pace. This pursuit of authenticity is reinforced by 47% of Malaysian respondents who said travelling alone allows them to reconnect with personal interests or hobbies that might be overlooked in a group setting. The increasing popularity of solo travel also mirrors wider lifestyle shifts, such as heightened workplace and domestic demands, and a growing emphasis on mental health and mindfulness. As Ms Agatha Yap, Director of Marketing, Communications & Loyalty at Scoot, notes: 'The way we travel expresses our individuality and allows for self-discovery. The findings not only chart solo travel's ascent but provide insight into the motivations, behaviours, and expectations of an emerging and influential segment of travellers today.' Value and Practicality Drive Solo Travel Choices The findings suggest that solo holidaymakers are intentional and pragmatic planners. Nearly all (95%) engage in some form of trip planning. Among them, budget management (56%), accommodation (52%), and personal safety (51%) are the top priorities. Decision-making is heavily informed by online travel agencies, hotel sites, and review platforms, with social media playing a crucial role in sourcing ideas for food and activities. Nearly all solo travellers (95%) plan their journeys, making careful decisions about where to stay, what to spend, and how to stay safe, often turning to online platforms and social media for research and recommendations. Looking Ahead: How Airlines Can Better Support Solo Travellers As solo travel continues to grow, airlines are taking note. In 2024, solo travellers accounted for 40% of Scoot's bookings. Malaysian soloists still favour nearby destinations, with 36% choosing to explore locally. However, regional ambition is strong—nine in ten are planning trips abroad, with Thailand (25%), Japan (23%), and Indonesia (22%) topping the international wishlist. To support this shift, airlines are beginning to tailor offerings to solo flyers. Innovations like personalised itineraries, smart luggage, and apps that help travellers connect on the go are likely to shape the next wave of solo travel. Scoot has already made moves in this space with features such as Scoot-in-Silence quiet zones and the ScootHub inflight portal—showing how even low-cost carriers can cater meaningfully to the solo travel segment.
