Premier Holidays has called on the Malaysian Tourist Board to increase its support of the UK trade to help build on the growing interest in the country.
The long-haul operator said growth over the past 12 months was encouraging but was achieved with little support from Malaysia. Premier’s Asia general manager Paul Tilling, speaking at the launch of the operator’s Asia 2000 brochure, predicted an even stronger performance if the trade and the Malaysian Tourist Board could work closer together.
“If the country was able to provide an all-out advertising and promotional campaign in the UK just imagine what could be achieved,” said Tilling.
He predicted that Malaysia – along with Bali – could challenge Thailand as Premier’s best-selling destination next year as customers look further afield to get better value for money.
“Fares to Bali and Malaysia resorts now appear to be as cheap as Phuket,” said Tilling. “Hotels are more highly priced in Thailand.”
Prices to Bali meanwhile have tumbled by up to 10% due to a reduction in air fares and hotel rates. Prices lead in at £659 for seven nights at the Puri Santrian Resort.