May 05, 2010 19:58 PM

DUBAI, May 5 (Bernama) — Firefly Holiday, billed as Malaysia’s first full-fledged travel portal now offering worldwide holiday packages with a do-it-yourself feature, was officially launched in conjunction with the ongoing Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2010 here Wednesday.

Doing the honours was Malaysian Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, who also launched the 1Malaysia holiday packages offered by Malaysia Airlines.

“Firefly Holiday is ideal for the general traveller as it offers convenience from time of booking to point of arrival at the preferred destination,” she said at the event held at the Malaysia pavilion.

For tour operators, it provides one touch point for all ground arrangements.

“In essence, they are the online local partner, hence the convenience extends not only to the travellers but also to agents,” Dr Ng said.

Since its inception in April 2008, Firefly Holiday has evolved from offering Malaysian and regional packages only, to more than 100 Malaysia Airlines destinations worldwide via its international holiday packages.

Firefly Holiday is a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines.

Firefly managing director Datuk Eddy Leong said: “We’ll be working aggressively with travel agents here at the ATM to partner with us and market Firefly Holiday to their customers.”

Since the commencement of its services into Singapore in July 2009, Firefly airline has since connected travellers from Singapore into various points of Malaysia, namely Kuala Lumpur via Subang, Terengganu, Ipoh and Kuantan.

Meanwhile, the “1Malaysia Summer Specials” are being offered by MASholidays, the travel arm of Malaysia Airlines.

The holiday packages start from as low as 2,446 dirhams (RM2,150) per person, inclusive of return economy class travel on Malaysia Airlines, four-day/three-night accommodation and daily breakfast.

The travel period is from now till July 31, 2010.

Merina Abu Tahir, Malaysia Airlines’ regional general manager for the Middle East, Africa and South America, said: “Customers have a choice of a wide array of destinations ranging from shopping in Kuala Lumpur to the sunny beaches of Penang and Langkawi as well as eco-tourism in Sabah and Sarawak.”

“For a wholesome experience of these destinations, customers can also choose from more than 55 optional tours available from as low as 41 dirhams (RM36) per person,” she added.

PETALING JAYA, March 4 (Bernama) — Community airline Firefly aims to garner RM1.5 million in sales from more than 100 holiday packages to be offered at the Malaysian Association of Travel and Tour Agents (MATTA) Fair 2010.

The event will be held from March 12 to 14 at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

“This is the fourth year we are participating in the fair and now that we are also offering destinations worldwide via Malaysia Airlines. We expect to have better revenue for this fair,” said Firefly’s head of marketing and communications, Angelina Fernandez.

Previously, Firefly had offered only 50 packages, she told reporters here Thursday.

Firefly also aims to increase its loyalty programme customers by taking advantage of about 70,000 to 80,000 MATTA Fair visitors annually, said its head of retention and loyalty, customer marketing, Danny Tang.

The airline’s theme for the travel fair is football in line with this year’s World Cup.

Among the offerings are a spa package to Phuket Orchid Resort (four days/three nights) starting at RM399 for long-distance destinations, London and Paris tour with Eurostar (five days/four nights) from RM4,699.

Caught the fever? Find the best cure for your fever now by winning yourself an Italian-made Chronotech watch worth RM1000 now! ALERT! 8 Chronotech watches to be won daily !

Just purchase Firefly Holiday Packages with us during 24-31 August 2009 and stand a chance to win these international made watches.

Daily top spender of Firefly Holiday Packages will stand a chance to win ONE (1) Italian-made watch -Chronotech worth RM 1000 and TWO(2) Malaysia Airlines tickets! (Istanbul, Kunming, Beijing, Seoul)

Overall top spender for the 8 days will stand a chance to win TWO(2) Italian-made watch – Chronotech watches worth RM 2000 and TWO(2) Malaysia Airlines tickets to Johannesburg!

For Maxis users, you get 10% further discounts, on top of this privilege, Maxis users will stand a chance to win Italian-made watches – Chronotech worth RM 700 daily when you purchase Firefly Holiday Packages of over RM 1500. For purchases of more than RM 700, you stand a chance to win RM 50 vouchers.

Log on to Firefly website at www.fireflyz.com.my to find out how you can get the promotional code now!

Happy Merdeka!