PUTRAJAYA: Tourist arrivals from Indonesia are expected to increase this year, particularly due to the Visit 2024 campaign happening in Melaka, Kelantan, Perak and Perlis, says Tourism Malaysia.
Last year, Malaysia welcomed over 3.1 million Indonesian tourists, highlighting the vibrant cultural exchange and friendship shared between the two nations, it said.
“This campaign sets the stage for the forthcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which aims to attract 35.6 million foreign tourists, targeting a revenue of RM147.1bil,” Tourism Malaysia said in a statement, Bernama reported.
The tourism board stressed that Indonesia is still an important market for Malaysia, adding that daily flights from Jakarta by Garuda Indonesia offer hope for further recovery since the Covid-19 pandemic and improving the relationship between the two countries.
The tourism board recently organised a familiarisation trip for travel trade partners and media from Indonesia, to promote Malaysia as the top tourist destination in the region, in partnership with Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and Garuda Indonesia.
Seven travel agents and a media representative from Jakarta visited Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya on a four-day, three-night journey from Feb 4-7.
The itinerary involved visiting prominent Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition (MICE) venues such as the World Trade Centre and Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, as well as several hotels. A city tour was also organised.
In Putrajaya, the participants explored Souq Putrajaya, enjoyed a scenic sunset cruise and various activities.
The itinerary included a shopping spree and visits to other tourist attractions.
The trip was to encourage Indonesian travel agents, particularly those focusing on the MICE segment, to actively promote tour packages to Malaysia.
It highlighted Indonesia’s importance to Malaysia’s tourism industry, noting significant growth in arrivals in 2023 and strong connectivity with 628 direct flights per week from Indonesia to Malaysia.
