Tourists from India visit Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur in this undated file photo. - Photo: Bernama file
NEW DELHI: (Bernama) Tourism Malaysia felicitated India’s travel industry players for their role in promoting the destination, as arrivals from India reached a new record.
Malaysia is now truly established as a leading holiday spot for outbound Indian travellers, Malaysian High Commissioner to India Datuk Muzafar Shah Mustafa said.
"Over one million Indian travellers have chosen Malaysia as their destination of choice this year. It is a reflection of the trust, passion and collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and the Indian travel industry," Muzafar said on Thursday (Dec 19) night at an event organised by Tourism Malaysia to felicitate tour operators and airlines.
Malaysia has seen a sharp rise in arrivals from India this year following the introduction of free visa entry in December 2023.
Last year, Malaysia welcomed a total of 671,846 Indian visitors with the figure surpassing one million between January and November this year.
Malaysia is looking to achieve a bigger number from India as it prepares to launch its tourism promotion activities next year in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Travel demand between India and Malaysia is supported by strong air services and continues to grow, according to Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, director of Tourism Malaysia in New Delhi.
"Our target for 2025 is at least 1.1 million arrivals from India," he said.
Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, IndiGo, AirAsia and Air India operate 248 weekly flights between India and Malaysia, offering about 47,000 seats. - Bernama
