Tag Archives: Tourism Malaysia

“We believe that Indian travellers are ready to see and experience new and offbeat destinations and attractions. They now like to immerse themselves in destinations and the unique experiences they have to offer,” says Noriah Jaafar, Director of Tourism Malaysia

Tourism Malaysia has kicked off its first roadshow to six major cities in India from 18th until 30th April 2022, after more than two years of hiatus. The roadshows are in line with Malaysia lifting sanctions on its border on 1st April 2022. Starting in Delhi, the roadshow kicks off in the city of Delhi, followed by Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. The mission is headed by Manoharan Periasamy, Senior Director of the International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa) together with Malaysia’s tourism fraternity which consists of three (3) Malaysia-based airlines, 22 travel agents, four (4) hoteliers, and four (4) product owners.

Razaidi Abd Rahim, Director, Tourism Malaysia, South India and Sri Lanka, shares that they are looking forward to participate in the Gulf Travel Show 2021 which will be held from March 31-April 1. “It marks our inaugural participation, and not only refreshing and widening our contact base, but most importantly, strengthening brand Malaysia Truly Asia,” he says.

In anticipation of border reopening, Tourism Malaysia India Offices (Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai) are engaging with TAAI, TAFI as well as tour operators and other travel agents to come up with key initiatives, strategies and activities to once again woo Indian tourists to Malaysia, as well as update partners on Malaysia’s products.

In a bid to promote more value-for-money holiday packages to Malaysia for tourists from India, Tourism Malaysia, along with Malindo Air has launched the ‘Malaysia Fantastic Deals’ package. Unveiled by Tuan Syed Yahya Syed Othman, Director, Package Development Division, Tourism Malaysia and Manoj Mehta, Country Head, Malindo Air, the campaign has been designed in partnership with several popular hotels and a restaurant in Malaysia to offer a total of five packages catered specifically to the Indian market. Available exclusively with select agencies across five cities in India, the package includes 10 per cent discount on Malindo Air fares from Chennai, Delhi, Mumbia and Kolkata. The partner hotels include Sunway Hotel & Resorts, MeritusPelangi Beach Resort and Spa Langkawi, Lexis Hotel & Group and Atmosphere 360 Revolving Restaurant KL Tower.

The High Commission of Malaysia in association with Tourism Malaysia recently celebrated Eid Ul Fitr Open House. Diplomats from various embassies along with the travel trade attended the event. Authentic Malaysian cuisine was served to the invitees. Eid Ul Fitr Open House is a casual affair, where visitors mingle with other people and relish sumptuous Malaysian food together. In Malaysia, Eid is more commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Hari Raya means Celebration Day. In Many part of Malaysia, pelita (oil lamps) are lit up and placed outside around homes as decoration. Special dishes like Ketupat (packed rice in leaf pouch), Rendang (slow cooked meat with spice and coconut milk), Lemang (glutinous rice cake cooked in bamboo), etc are served on this day.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) signed an MoU with Travel Agents Federation of India to promote tourism between India and Malaysia. The MoU was signed the roadshow organised recently by the associations along with Tourism Malaysia at the Royal Plaza, New Delhi, which had Malaysian tour operators, product owners, as well as Indian travel agents. The objective of the road show was to create good connection between tour operators from both countries and increase the number of arrivals from India to Malaysia.

In a move to boost Indian arrivals, Malaysia has launched a 15-day e-visa for travellers on a short visit. This was announced at a press conference in New Delhi by Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz. “India and Malaysia share great relations that go a long way back and we want to foster these ties. We decided to launch this e-visa for the benefit of travellers who visit the country for a short while and since it takes only 48 hours for approval, it is also useful for those who require it urgently,” he said. The e-visa includes a single-entry and costs $20. Tourism Malaysia and leaders from TAAI, TAFI and OTOAI also signed a commitment plaque fortifying each other’s commitment to promoting travel from India.With a focus on sustainable tourism, Malaysia is also pushing its special interest packages for premium shopping, luxury travels, sports tourism such as golf, and Malaysia as a wedding and honeymoon destination. India is the sixth top tourist generating market for Malaysia with a total 722,141 Indian visitors recorded in 2015. Last year, from January to October, Malaysia received a total of 540,530 Indian tourists. Malaysia hopes to achieve 1 million arrivals from the India market this year.

Tourism Malaysia has appointed Sulaiman Suip as the new Director, North & East India operations. He will spearhead Tourism Malaysia’s marketing and publicity efforts from the New Delhi office to continue focus on bringing innovative products and promoting unique experiences to the Indian travel community. Previously, Suip held similar positions in Thailand and as deputy director at Tourism Malaysia’s Japan office. Speaking about his latest tenure in India, Suip said, “India is an important market for us as it contributes to the 6th largest arrivals to Malaysia. This year we have a target of welcoming one million Indian tourists.  The face of Indian travel is changing a lot and now it’s not just about status symbols or checking places off a list. Experiential holidays like spa holidays, art and culture trips, culinary vacations are catching the fancy of the Indian traveller. So there will be a conscious effort to promote this sector to the discerning traveller. Focus will also continue on promoting theme parks and the shopping segment, as Malaysia is seen as a perfect family destination with something for everyone in the family.” Suip was instrumental in setting up the Tourism Malaysia offices in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai during his tenure as the Desk Officer overseeing promotion for South Asia market from 2000 until 2002. “Life seems to have come to a full circle with this new stint and I look forward to doing some good work in the eclectic Indian market,” Suip adds.