This popular international travel destination is wooing South Indian cities
ET Online February 06, 2025 07:20 PM
Synopsis

Malaysia has seen a 37% increase in Indian tourists over the past five years, with 1.1 million Indians visiting in 2024, making India the second-largest source of visitors after China, according to Malaysia Tourism officials. The country aims to attract 1.5 million Indian travellers by the end of the year, supported by a visa-free policy and enhanced flight connectivity.

There has been a 37% jump in Indian tourists visiting different destinations in Malaysia in the last five years, said Malaysia Tourism director (international promotion — Asia and Africa) Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi. In 2024, 1.1 million Indians visited Malaysia.

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After China, India is the second country with the highest number of visitors to Malaysia, said Azmi in a press conference. Bengaluru alone now offers seven flights a week to Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur.

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"By the end of this year, the goal is to have 1.5 million travellers from India. Malaysia govt's visa-free policy has opened up more avenues for tourism. Currently, it receives 260 flights from India every week. Recently, there were additions of seven direct flights from Bengaluru to Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur," she said.

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Hishamuddin Mustafa, director of tourism, Malaysia-Chennai, emphasised the importance of South Indian cities, stating, "The cities of Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kochi are vital markets for us, and the ease of access through 84 weekly flights and 12,395 seats per week makes Malaysia an attractive destination for travellers seeking a diverse range of experiences."

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He added, "Whether it's for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), a dream wedding or a family vacation, Malaysia has something for everyone. We are excited to showcase all the new destinations, cultural experiences and world-class venues it has to offer."

(With TOI inputs)
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