Malaysia (Commonwealth Union)_ In a bid to boost tourism and position Malaysia as a premier travel destination, Tourism Malaysia’s Chennai office recently hosted a significant engagement session with Tamil Nadu‘s travel agents. The event marked a crucial step toward strengthening Malaysia’s ties with the Indian travel industry, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration and enhancing awareness about Malaysia’s diverse offerings. Furthermore, the event also focused on raising awareness of the eco-tourism and cultural richness found in Sabah and Sarawak, which are increasingly appealing to Indian visitors.
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The session was warmly welcomed by Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia, Chennai. In his opening remarks, Hishamuddin expressed his appreciation for the longstanding partnership with Indian travel agents, whose support has been instrumental in welcoming over one million Indian tourists to Malaysia in 2024. He also highlighted the vital role these travel agents play in helping Malaysia achieve its tourism objectives, particularly as the country prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026). Hishamuddin stated, “While Kuala Lumpur remains a favorite destination for Indian tourists, we are actively focusing on promoting new and exciting destinations such as Sabah and Sarawak. These regions are rich in eco-tourism experiences and cultural heritage, offering unique adventures for the growing number of Indian travelers seeking diverse travel experiences,”.
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A key moment of the event featured a presentation by Wan Chui Fong, Senior Sales Manager at A’Famosa Resort. Wan shared insights into the resort’s comprehensive offerings, including curated packages for weddings, M.I.C.E (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and group travel. These specialized packages cater to the increasing demand from Indian travelers for customized, immersive travel experiences. Wan’s presentation successfully highlighted A’Famosa Resort as an ideal destination for Indian tourists looking for memorable stays that go beyond the traditional. The engagement session also underscored the importance of promoting niche tourism segments, including M.I.C.E and wedding tourism, which are rapidly gaining popularity among Indian travelers.
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The session concluded with an interactive dialogue, offering travel professionals the opportunity to exchange ideas and insights aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s appeal to Indian tourists. Acknowledging the growing importance of these partnerships, Hishamuddin emphasized that Malaysia’s tourism strategy would continue to evolve in response to the changing preferences of Indian travelers. Among the distinguished attendees was P. Ashok Kumar, Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Chapter of ADTOI, who reiterated the significance of collaboration between Indian travel professionals and Tourism Malaysia. The event highlighted the shared commitment to making Malaysia a top destination for Indian travelers, setting the stage for a successful future as Malaysia prepares for VMY2026.
