With its border opening for international tourists, Tourism Malaysia has stepped up its trade initiatives in the Indian market beginning with a series of roadshows in the country.
Tourism Malaysia embarked on its first roadshow in India beginning in New Delhi on April 18th. The series of roadshows that will end on April 30th also covers Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. Apart from senior officials of Tourism Malaysia, the suppliers include three Malaysia-based airlines, 22 travel agents, four hoteliers, and four product owners.
“We are in India to let our trade partners know that Malaysia is now open to welcome back tourists. There is so much to explore after two years, especially with the newly opened outdoor theme park, Genting SkyWorld, the refurbished Sunway Resort in Kuala Lumpur, and a magnificent new attraction, the Merdeka 118, the world’s second-tallest building. We are already seeing a strong demand from the Indian market with 500 pax wedding group in Jaipur showing interest in travelling to Malaysia and 150 pax incentive group from New Delhi also considering Malaysia for their trip,” said Manoharan Periasamy, Senior Director of the International Promotion Division, Asia/Africa while addressing media persons in New Delhi.
The tourism board is planning a number of familiarization trips for travel agents, media and corporate segments between June to August in order to boost travel demand from the Indian market.
“Apart from popular destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highland, we are looking to promote other destinations like Sabah and Desaru in India,” said Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, senior deputy director, International Promotion Division, Asia/Africa.
With the border opening on April 1, Malaysia has already recorded more than 2,700 Indian tourists visiting the destination, making the country among its top four international source markets since reopening.
Currently, Malaysia eVISA can be applied online and more than 14,000 seats are offered weekly between India and Malaysia through Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, AirAsia, IndiGo, and Air India Express.
“We are thrilled and enthusiastic to welcome Indian travellers back on exciting, new value-driven and action-packed itineraries to witness the best and latest of what Malaysia has to offer. I am sure these new attractions along with our beautiful beaches, exhilarating mountains and jungles with a plethora of activities will make your trip a memorable one,” added Periasamy.
Since the reopening of its borders, India is on the top four arrivals to Malaysia. Malaysia has opened its shores for quarantine-free travel on 1st April 2022 to welcome fully-vaccinated international travellers. The entry procedure requires an RT-PCR test two days before departure and travellers must undergo professionally administered RTK-Ag within 24 hours upon arrival in Malaysia.