AirAsia has signed a new agreement aimed at bringing more tourists to the Malaysian state of Terengganu.

The low-cost carrier penned a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Terengganu state government this week, which lays the groundwork for the two parties to collaborate in a range of areas with the aim of allowing Terengganu to meet its target of reaching 5.5 million visitors this year.

The agreement coincides with “Visit Beautiful Terengganu” year, and comes ahead of the launch of AirAsia’s new flights from Johor Bahru to Kuala Terengganu, which are due to commence on 22 June 2017.

“Terengganu is ready to be known as a tourism state with efficient land and air accessibility, with good services, modern infrastructures and treasures of nature, culture and heritage. The additional Johor Bahru to Kuala Terengganu direct flights will definitely boost the arrival of tourists into Terengganu,” said Yang Amat Berhormat Dato Seri Haji Ahmad Razif bin Abd Rahman, Chief Minister of Terengganu.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the Terengganu state government to showcase the beauty and wonders of Terengganu throughout AirAsia’s extensive network,” said AirAsia director Aziz Bakar. “With this collaboration, we will drive our marketing efforts to promote Terengganu as a must-visit destination in Malaysia.

“We are confident this will contribute significantly in achieving the state government’s target of 5.5 million tourist arrivals in Terengganu for this year,” he added.

AirAsia currently operates four daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu, and the new service from Johor Bahru will add a further three weekly flights to the state.

Located on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula, Terengganu is known for its coastal and cultural attractions, including sandy beaches, the idyllic Perhentian Islands, and the vast Terengganu State Museum.