Chennai, Aug 13 (PTI) Tourism Malaysia held Sales Mission Series 2 in Chennai on Thursday, aiming to expand business opportunities and boost arrivals ahead of the extended promotional campaign.
The sales mission, being held across Chennai, Mumbai, and New Delhi from August 12 to August 20, brings together 47 Malaysian tourism stakeholders, including hoteliers, tour operators, and airline partners. The ‘Visit Malaysia 2026’ initiative organised in collaboration with Batik Air, focuses on strengthening business-to-business (B2B) engagements and trade partnerships.
Led by Tourism Malaysia Director General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, the mission seeks to maintain Malaysia’s position as a top-of-mind destination for Indian travellers despite an evolving global travel landscape.
“India remains one of Tourism Malaysia’s most important and fastest-growing source markets,” Rahim said. “While the current geopolitical developments and evolving international travel landscape may influence travel sentiment in certain regions, Tourism Malaysia remains committed to maintaining a strong presence in the market,” he added.
He emphasised the need for sustained, targeted, and market-driven promotional efforts supported by close collaboration with travel trade and airline partners.
The tourism board is also urging industry stakeholders to develop competitive travel packages that inspire Indian tourists to explore beyond the traditional itineraries of Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands.
“Destinations such as Sarawak, Langkawi, Penang, Johor, and Sabah offer tremendous potential for the Indian market, featuring diverse experiences ranging from nature, adventure, and island holidays to cultural heritage, gastronomy, shopping, family attractions, MICE, and destination weddings,” Rahim added. He noted that promoting these areas would encourage longer stays, higher visitor spending, and repeat visits.
Following the introduction of visa-free travel for Indian nationals in December 2023, Malaysia welcomed over 1.5 million Indian visitors in 2025. This surge placed India among Malaysia’s top five international source markets, alongside Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and China.
With the ‘Visit Malaysia’ campaign now extended through 2027, Tourism Malaysia plans to intensify promotional initiatives in India. PTI JR JR ADB
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