Moving beyond metro Malaysia

Tourism Malaysia is aiming to draw Indian tourists to destinations outside Malaysia's metropolitan cities, thanks to improved accessibility between its capital of Kuala Lumpur and second- and third-tier cities in India. Experiential holidays at places other than those already popular with the Indian market - Penang, Langkawi, Genting Highlands and Kuala Lumpur - are now being promoted. 

Among them are activities such as cave exploration at UNESCO World Heritage site Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, and scuba diving and snorkelling on the islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and off the coast of East Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia Mumbai director P Manoharan said: "We are targeting savvy middle-income professionals who are in their 20s, 30s and 40s. 

"We are using more online media and social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to reach this segment of travellers as it is more cost-effective compared to traditional advertising. Online media also has a wider reach." Red Apple Travel & Tours managing director Arokia Das Anthony said he had received more travel enquiries for East Malaysia this year and attributed this to awareness created by Tourism Malaysia.

-TTG Asia.