Tourism Malaysia is gearing up for an ambitious and strategic Sales Mission to India, marking its most extensive outreach yet. From February 3 to February 7, 2025, the initiative will cover key cities Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kochi, bringing together a delegation of 62 sellers from Malaysia’s hospitality, aviation, and tourism sectors. With a strong emphasis on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, as well as wedding tourism, this mission aims to tap into the increasing demand for international travel experiences from India’s southern region.

India has been one of Malaysia’s fastest-growing inbound markets, and in 2024, the country recorded a milestone of one million Indian visitors, with Southern India alone contributing over 50% of this figure. The strong connectivity between Malaysia and Southern Indian cities is a pivotal factor in driving these numbers, supported by 151 weekly flights and an overall seat capacity of 26,686 per week. The recent expansion of flight routes by Indigo Airlines, connecting Penang and Langkawi with Chennai and Bangalore, has further facilitated seamless travel, enabling more Indian travellers to experience Malaysia’s cultural, business, and leisure offerings.

The Growing Appeal of Malaysia as a MICE Destination

Malaysia’s MICE sector has been experiencing rapid expansion, positioning the country as a leading hub for international conferences and corporate events. With world-class infrastructure, state-of-the-art convention centers, luxury hotels, and professional event management services, Malaysia is equipped to host business gatherings of all scales. Kuala Lumpur, in particular, has become a preferred destination for global business summits, exhibitions, and incentive trips, thanks to its modern facilities and easy accessibility.

Tourism Malaysia’s Sales Mission will focus on engaging with key MICE planners, corporate decision-makers, and event organizers in Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kochi to showcase Malaysia’s potential for hosting large-scale business events. Additionally, the mission will highlight the cost-effectiveness of hosting MICE events in Malaysia compared to other global destinations, reinforcing its value proposition in the competitive international market. With its multi-cultural diversity, vibrant business ecosystem, and advanced technological capabilities, Malaysia presents an attractive alternative for businesses seeking a venue for international meetings and corporate networking events.

Malaysia’s Wedding Tourism Boom and India’s Influence

India is one of the world’s largest wedding markets, and Malaysia is capitalizing on this trend by promoting itself as a premier destination for Indian weddings. The country offers a variety of picturesque locations, ranging from pristine beaches in Langkawi to luxurious city hotels in Kuala Lumpur and cultural heritage sites in Penang. As Indian families continue to seek unique and exotic locations for weddings, Malaysia’s affordable luxury, excellent hospitality services, and ease of travel make it an ideal choice.

Tourism Malaysia’s delegation will meet with wedding planners, luxury event managers, and high-net-worth clients in India to present Malaysia’s compelling offerings. With the Indian wedding industry valued at over $50 billion annually, capturing even a small fraction of this market could yield substantial returns for Malaysia’s tourism economy. From customizable wedding packages, stunning venues, expert catering services, and hassle-free legal requirements, Malaysia is well-positioned to accommodate the evolving preferences of Indian couples seeking memorable wedding experiences abroad.

Connectivity Driving Malaysia’s Popularity in India

A major catalyst behind the increasing tourism figures between Malaysia and India is the significant improvement in air connectivity. With 151 weekly flights between Malaysia and Southern India, and a weekly seat capacity of 26,686, accessibility has never been easier. Recent expansions, such as Indigo Airlines’ new routes from Chennai and Bangalore to Penang and Langkawi, offer more travel options for Indian tourists. The Southern Indian cities of Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kochi have become crucial gateways for outbound travelers, and the 84 weekly flights from these cities to Malaysia provide seamless connectivity.

The introduction of more direct flights, competitive airfares, and flexible travel itineraries will further strengthen Malaysia’s appeal to Indian travelers. The Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) campaign is set to capitalize on these enhanced travel connections by aggressively promoting Malaysia as a must-visit destination for Indian tourists.

Tourism Malaysia’s Commitment to Strengthening India Ties

Leading the Sales Mission is Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, who reaffirmed India’s strategic importance for Malaysia’s tourism sector. “India has been a key market for Malaysia for over 20 years, and with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), we are targeting 1.6 million Indian travelers. The 151 weekly flights and 26,686 seats per week highlight the strong demand for travel between Malaysia and Southern Indian cities. This mission will showcase Malaysia’s unparalleled offerings in MICE, wedding tourism, and leisure travel, ensuring that Indian travelers find the ideal experiences they seek,” he said.

Newly appointed Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai, Mr. Hishamuddin Mustafa, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the strategic importance of Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kochi in driving Malaysia’s tourism growth. “The 84 weekly flights and 12,395 seats per week between these cities and Malaysia make travel extremely convenient. Whether travelers are looking for business engagements, destination weddings, or family vacations, Malaysia has something for everyone,” he stated.

Conclusion

Tourism Malaysia’s largest-ever Sales Mission to India represents a major push to solidify the country’s presence in one of its most critical inbound markets. By emphasizing MICE tourism, wedding tourism, and leisure travel, Malaysia is positioning itself as a top travel destination for Indian tourists. The enhanced flight connectivity, extensive promotional activities, and competitive offerings will be instrumental in achieving the ambitious target of 1.6 million Indian visitors by 2026.

With its strategic engagements in Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kochi, this mission is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s relationships with Indian travel stakeholders and drive sustainable tourism growth in the years ahead.