MASholidays Offers New Cyber Destinations

Travellers can now experience Malaysia in a way that has never been done before with the launch of a 3D Virtual Social Game World (VSGW) by MASholidays known as “The Lost Treasure of Malaysia”, which transports travelers into a fascinating world of adventure, hidden treasure and mythology.

MASholidays, in association with Tourism Malaysia, will use “The Lost Treasure of Malaysia” to promote Malaysia as a premier tourist destination using social media and the growing phenomena of playing games in a VSGW.

Travelers in this VSGW will be immersed in a rich 3D virtual world as they explore a 17th century Kingdom and compete in search of treasure chests, relics and items which have been stolen from the Sultan’s throne room in order to gain points and be declared as the “Hero of Malaysia” to win real holiday packages and merchandise.

Certain items will also unlock access to special areas such as MASholiday lounges, where travelers can access more destinations, items and content.

“The Lost Treasure of Malaysia” remains undiscovered with public release due only in 2012, but a playable launch demo was unveiled recently during the World Travel Market 2011 in London by the Senior General Manager of MASholidays, Dato’ Dr Amin Khan.

“Malaysia Airlines is the first airline in the world to use a virtual social game world to promote its destinations and we’re very excited about the new horizons it will open up for us as we interact with Gen X and Gen Y travelers for whom using social media is as routine as having a meal,” said Dato’ Khan.

“MASholidays’ presence in the social space is a game changer for our sales and branding strategies because this is where the new generation of travelers are exploring their travel choices and where we will be able to create an interactive and personal engagement with them,” added Josephine Liew, Senior VP, MASholidays.

“The Lost Treasure of Malaysia” is fully compatible across all major web browsers, smart phones and game consoles and was created by E-Dynamics, a Swiss-based advanced digital social media company, using its proprietary technologies which creates and enables rich and interactive 3D virtual game worlds to be deployed and experienced via the social web and other platforms, rapidly and efficiently.

“With the VSGW, MASholidays is now poised at the bleeding edge of social media innovation - rising above the online advertising clutter and interacting with potential travelers, as well as existing customers, in the social space where they are already hanging out, with the capability to engage with them further by offering branded content, special features and merchandise,” said Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of E-Dynamics, Robert Fong. “This is an extremely powerful tool that will enhance MASholidays’ online sales, marketing and branding strategies for years to come, and will position them ahead of the curve in competing with other airlines”.

The VSGW platform also allows MASholidays to sell real world products, packages, flight tickets, promotions and other value-added products and services through a single convergent web portal.

“Virtual worlds have evolved today into thriving virtual economies and communities, where branded virtual goods are traded and sales leads generated. This bold step by MASholidays to go where no airline has gone before is a visionary strategy which harnesses the power of social media to change how consumers make their travel decisions and creates a more tactile brand experience where online users can “play” and interact with brands virtually,” added Fong.