Malaysia Targets Indian Weddings
Mumbai: Malaysia saw a record-breaking number of Indian tourists in 2024, and as a result, the country has extended its visa-free policy for Indians until 2026. This move is expected to boost tourism even further, especially since 2026 is being celebrated as Visit Malaysia year.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a global slowdown in tourism due to lockdowns. However, many markets started showing recovery in 2023, with China and India being the first countries to surpass 2019 tourist numbers. Notably, Indian tourists crossed the 1 million mark for the first time in 2024, with over 1.1 million tourists visiting the country by the end of the year.
The government’s friendly policies, including the liberalization of visas for China and India, have been a major catalyst for the tourism movement. Efforts are being made to introduce new destinations and packages that will appeal to more Indians. There are also plans to collaborate with industry players to promote Malaysia as a top holiday destination for Indian tourists.
Indian tourists are now looking for lesser-known and off-beat destinations, and they want to experience the country rather than just sightseeing. Malaysia is looking to tap into the Indian wedding market, showcasing the country as the perfect destination for weddings. Additionally, the country is trying to provide varied experiences for Indian corporations that come to Malaysia for professional conferences.
The aviation sector has shown positive signs, with multiple flights from India flying directly to Malaysia. New air routes are expected, including flights from Tier 2 cities in India to destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Joho, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching. There are also plans to start direct flights from Hyderabad and Pune.
Expectations are high for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, with predictions of 1.5 million to 1.6 million Indian tourists in 2025 and possibly even 2 million in 2026. Efforts are being made to introduce Malaysian cuisine to Indians, with the recent hosting of a Malaysian Food Festival in Mumbai. Similar festivals will be held across the country in major Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Malaysian food shares many similarities with Indian food, and the country is hoping to capitalize on this to promote its cuisine.