The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) has announced an ambitious target to achieve one million tourist arrivals from India by the end of this year. This significant goal is part of Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its tourism industry and enhance bilateral relations with India, a key tourism market.
The move comes on the heels of AirAsia’s launch of new direct flights connecting Guwahati and Kozhikode (Calicut) to Kuala Lumpur. This strategic expansion in air connectivity is expected to facilitate seamless travel for Indian tourists, making Malaysia an even more attractive destination.
According to Motac, the introduction of these direct flights underscores their commitment to promoting tourism and strengthening ties between Malaysia and India. Tourism Malaysia Director-General Manoharan Periasamy highlighted the importance of these routes in achieving the ministry’s tourism goals.
In April 2024, Indian tourist arrivals in Malaysia saw a remarkable increase of 80.2%, reaching 295,000 visitors compared to the same period in 2023. This impressive growth reflects the strong interest and enthusiasm of Indian travelers for Malaysia’s diverse attractions and experiences.
The new AirAsia routes will operate thrice weekly, providing travelers from Guwahati and Kozhikode direct access to Kuala Lumpur without the need for visa or flight transfers. This development is expected to significantly enhance the convenience and appeal of Malaysia as a travel destination for Indian tourists.
With the introduction of these direct flights, Indian travelers can now enjoy a more seamless and hassle-free journey to Kuala Lumpur. This ease of access is anticipated to drive a substantial increase in tourist arrivals from India, helping Motac achieve its ambitious target of one million visitors by year-end.
Motac’s efforts to boost Indian tourist arrivals are also part of a broader strategy to revitalize Malaysia’s tourism sector in the post-pandemic era. The ministry is actively working on various initiatives to attract international tourists, including enhancing air connectivity, promoting diverse tourist attractions, and strengthening marketing campaigns in key markets.
As Malaysia continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and creating job opportunities. The influx of Indian tourists is expected to contribute significantly to this recovery, bringing economic benefits to various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s target to achieve one million Indian tourist arrivals by the end of 2024 reflects Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening its tourism industry and enhancing bilateral relations with India. The launch of new direct flights by AirAsia is a key step towards achieving this goal, providing Indian travelers with greater convenience and access to the vibrant and diverse experiences Malaysia has to offer.
