In a move to enhance tourist inflow, Tourism Selangor, the official tourism promotion agency of the Malaysian state of Selangor, has recently established formal partnerships with three leading Indian travel trade associations: the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), the Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA), and the South Tamil Nadu Association of Travel & Tourism (STAT). These partnerships have been solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC).
These strategic partnerships are poised to bolster the relationship between the tourism board and Indian travel agents, thereby facilitating an increase in tourist arrivals from the South Asian country.
Azrul Shah Bin Mohamad, the Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor, shared insights with Travel Trade Insider on the potential benefits of these collaborations. “By partnering with these three associations, we aim to tap into the Indian market’s vast potential. India, with its diverse states, offers numerous opportunities, and through these MoCs, we anticipate forging strong relationships with travel agents throughout the country,” Mohamad stated during the MoC signing event at Greater Noida.
In line with the Visit Selangor Year 2025 campaign, Tourism Selangor has set a goal to welcome 100,000 Indian tourists. Latest statistics reveal that Selangor recorded 65,573 Indian visitors in 2022.
Mohamad further highlighted India’s significance as a source market. “Currently, India ranks as our fifth largest source of international tourists. Our objective is to propel India into our top three source markets. This year marked our inaugural post-Covid visit to India, undertaken as part of Tourism Malaysia’s roadshow, covering major cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and New Delhi. Plans are also underway for a dedicated roadshow in India, aiming for closer engagement in the near future,” he added.
Riaz Munshi, President of OTOAI, expressed his commitment to the partnership, stating, “We are fully committed to collaborating with Tourism Selangor to unearth new opportunities for our members and aid in the expansion of tourism in the area.”
Tourism Selangor is keen on promoting a diverse range of offerings in the Indian market, including eco-tourism, culinary delights, theme parks, shopping experiences, MICE facilities, beaches, and adventure activities, aiming to cater to a wide array of interests and preferences.