KUALA LUMPUR- Tourism Malaysia concluded its Sales Mission 2026 in Bengaluru, setting a target of 2.1 million Indian tourist arrivals this year. The initiative reinforces India’s position as one of Malaysia’s most important source markets ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Strong air connectivity supports this growth, including services by Batik Air (OD) as the Official Airline Partner, linking Bengaluru (BLR) with Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and other Malaysian gateways through 238 weekly direct flights between the two countries.
Expanding Malaysia’s Presence in India
Tourism Malaysia organised the Sales Mission 2026 at Shangri-La Bengaluru in partnership with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents.
The programme brought together 49 Malaysian sellers and key travel trade partners from Bengaluru and across Karnataka, reinforcing the city’s role as one of South India’s most influential outbound travel hubs.
The mission was led by Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, and Mdm Nuwal Fadhilah binti Ku Azmi, Senior Director of the International Promotions Division for Asia and Africa.
Their participation underscored Malaysia’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint in southern India.
India continues to rank among Malaysia’s most important tourism source markets. In 2025, Malaysia recorded 1,565,194 tourist arrivals from India, compared to 1,365,387 in 2024, reflecting a 14.6 percent year-on-year increase.
In alignment with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, authorities have set a target of 2.1 million Indian visitors.
Reported by The Hans India, the Sales Mission forms part of broader efforts to accelerate this growth trajectory.
Air Connectivity and Capacity Expansion
Air connectivity remains a primary growth driver. Currently, 238 weekly direct flights operate between 14 Indian cities and Malaysia, providing 47,399 weekly seats.
South India alone accounts for 151 weekly direct flights and 29,541 seats, highlighting the region’s dominant contribution to total capacity.
The appointment of Batik Air as the Official Airline Partner further strengthens connectivity and expands travel options between the two markets.
Enhanced flight frequency, seat availability, and direct access continue to improve convenience for Indian travellers.
Strategic Role of Diplomatic and Regional Stakeholders
Mr. K. Saravana Kumar, Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai, stated that tourism remains a strategic pillar in Malaysia–India relations.
He noted that the Consulate General actively supports Tourism Malaysia’s outreach across South India by facilitating industry partnerships, promotional initiatives, and stakeholder engagement to boost outbound travel.
Mr. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai, highlighted Bengaluru’s strong outbound potential across leisure, luxury, MICE, wedding, and corporate travel segments.
He stated that the Sales Mission enables trade partners to access updated destination insights and explore new collaboration opportunities.
Diverse Tourism Segments Driving Demand
Tourism Malaysia showcased a wide portfolio of offerings during the mission. These included leisure travel, family holidays, island escapes, shopping experiences, cultural tourism, and nature-based attractions.
The programme also emphasised the growing demand for MICE travel and destination weddings among Indian travellers.
By promoting updated tourism products, new destinations, and refreshed experiences, Malaysia aims to capture evolving preferences ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Advancing Bilateral Tourism Growth
Tourism Malaysia confirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with Indian travel trade partners, airlines, and industry stakeholders.
Sustained engagement across Karnataka and South India remains central to achieving the 2.1 million arrival target.
With structured trade outreach, expanded connectivity, and diversified tourism offerings, Malaysia is positioning itself as a preferred and accessible destination for Indian travellers in 2026.
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