PETALING JAYA (ANN/THE STAR) – India remains a key market for Malaysia’s tourism industry, and the 30-day visa-free arrangement is expected to further boost arrivals by easing travel barriers for Indian visitors.
With over a million Indian tourists already recorded, Malaysia Tourism Federation president Datuk Tan Kok Liang highlighted the potential for travel agencies to offer tailored packages, including group tours and family vacations, to attract more holidaymakers and business travelers.
“Enhancing service offerings and infrastructure, along with staff training to meet cultural and dietary needs will be essential,” he said yesterday.
He said the visa-free arrangement may encourage longer stays, providing a sustained revenue stream for Malaysian operators.
“Malaysian tour agencies are likely to ramp up marketing efforts in India, collaborate with airlines for better travel deals and offer special promotions.
“Kuala Lumpur is positioned as a strategic stopover for Indian tourists visiting Asean neighbours like Indonesia, with airlines such as AirAsia and Batik Air providing extensive networks in India,” he said.
Tan said Indian tourists are drawn to Malaysia’s vibrant destinations like Kuala Lumpur’s iconic landmarks, Langkawi’s luxurious beaches, Penang’s historical charm, Cameron Highlands’ serene landscapes and Melaka’s colonial architectures.
“Emerging destinations like Kota Kinabalu and Kuching hold potential with strategic marketing.
“To capitalise on the visa-free policy, Malaysian tourism stakeholders can create tailored travel packages, focusing on religious, wellness and culinary experiences.
“Cultural events, targeted advertising and partnerships with Indian tour operators can attract tourists and strengthen ties,” he added.
Malaysian Indian Tour and Travel Association president Datuk A Aruldass believes there will be a 20 per cent increase in Indian tourist arrivals to Malaysia by 2025, as a new visa-free policy has made travel more convenient.
“Previously, there had been visa challenges that hindered corporate travel. Last year, we saw cases where 100 out of 300 booked passengers couldn’t get visas, disrupting their travel plans.
“With the visa relaxation, we see a significant increase in arrivals,” he said.
Aruldass said the visa-free policy is a significant advantage over countries like Thailand and Vietnam, benefiting both leisure and business travellers to Malaysia.
He anticipated a 20 per cent economic boost supported by new direct flights from India, such as Chennai-Penang and Bangalore-Langkawi, adding that 30 per cent of Indian tourists are “free independent travellers”.
As most Indian tourists prefer mid-range accommodations, spending MYR300 to MYR400 per room, Aruldass expects demand to increase for quality accommodation and more spending on transportation services.
The government recently announced an extension of the visa exemption for Indian nationals, originally scheduled to expire on Dec 31. The exemption will now remain in effect until Dec 31, 2026.
Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association president Mint Leong said there has been a remarkable 100 per cent surge in Indian tourists visiting Malaysia this year, thanks to the visa-free policy.
“We are optimistic that the number of Indian tourists will continue to rise,” she said.
Leong called for more promotional efforts by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, which she said can attract more than 1.5 million visitors.
Due to India’s vast population and competition from neighbouring countries for Indian tourists, she suggested incorporating Indian cultural elements into Malaysian attractions.
She proposed that local authorities set up more cultural and artistic attractions, such as venues showcasing traditional dance performances.
“Besides these Malaysian attractions, Indian tourists also enjoy shopping in Malaysia,” she said.
Previously, Malaysia’s High Commissioner to India, Datuk Muzafar Shah Mustafa, confirmed over a million Indian tourist arrivals this year, reflecting a 71.7 per cent increase compared to 2023 and surpassing 2019 figures.
