Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Tourism Malaysia launches its largest-ever sales mission to India, targeting M.I.C.E, weddings, and leisure travel, backed by visa-free entry and strong connectivity.
Malaysia Launches Largest-Ever Sales Mission to India, Targeting M.I.C.E, Weddings, and Leisure Travel
Tourism Malaysia is gearing up for its most extensive Sales Mission to India, scheduled from February 3 to 7, 2025. This initiative aims to bolster Malaysia’s appeal as a top destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (M.I.C.E), as well as wedding and leisure travel, with a special focus on the thriving Southern India market. Key cities on the mission’s itinerary include Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kochi.
The delegation, consisting of 62 Malaysian sellers, underscores Malaysia’s commitment to expanding its presence in India. Southern India, which accounted for over half of the 1 million Indian tourists visiting Malaysia between January and November 2024, is a cornerstone of this strategy. This marks a remarkable 47% growth in Indian tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2019.
Enhanced Connectivity Drives Growth
Southern India’s proximity to Malaysia, supported by strong air connectivity, has been instrumental in fostering this surge. Currently, 151 weekly flights connect the regions, offering a capacity of 26,686 seats per week. IndiGo Airlines has further enhanced this network with new direct daily flights to Penang and Langkawi, launched in December 2024, in addition to its existing routes to Kuala Lumpur.
Visa-Free Entry Boosts Tourism
Malaysia’s visa-free entry policy for Indian travelers, effective until December 31, 2026, has been a game-changer. Introduced in December 2023, the policy allows Indian visitors a 30-day visa exemption, significantly simplifying travel. This initiative has played a pivotal role in attracting a growing number of Indian tourists.
Tourism Malaysia Chennai Director Hishamuddin Mustafa emphasized the importance of Southern India, noting the availability of 84 weekly flights and 12,395 seats per week to Malaysia, further solidifying the region’s role in Malaysia’s tourism growth.
Malaysia as a Top Destination for M.I.C.E, Weddings, and Leisure
Malaysia’s state-of-the-art convention facilities, world-class hotels, and professional services position the country as a leading destination for M.I.C.E events. Its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage also make it a sought-after choice for destination weddings and leisure travel.
Roadmap to Visit Malaysia Year 2026
As part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, the nation aims to deliver unforgettable experiences to Indian travelers. Through efforts to strengthen air connectivity, develop customized tourism offerings, and forge deeper partnerships with Indian stakeholders, Malaysia is poised for significant growth in the Indian market.
This mission serves as a critical step in reinforcing Malaysia’s reputation as a premier travel destination for Indian tourists, ensuring continued success in the years to come.
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