Sales Mission Tourism Malaysia To India Series 2 | Chennai

 

INDIA, 13 August 2026 | The Sales Mission Tourism Malaysia to India Series 2 officially kicked off its first stop in Chennai, hosted at Hyatt Regency Chennai, bringing together Malaysia’s tourism industry players and key stakeholders from the Indian market.

Led by Mr Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, the mission brings together 40 Malaysian sellers to strengthen tourism cooperation, promote Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings and further drive arrivals from India.

The mission began with a Press Conference attended by 75 media representatives from Chennai, providing an important platform to highlight Malaysia’s latest tourism products, experiences and opportunities for the Indian market.

The programme continued with a B2B session and networking dinner, which attracted more than 220 buyers from various tourism industry partners across Chennai. The session provided an excellent platform for Malaysian sellers and Indian travel trade partners to connect, exchange ideas, explore new business opportunities and strengthen existing partnerships.

The session was also attended by Mr K Saravan Kumar, Malaysia Consulate in Chennai; Mr Chua Yong Wei, Senior Private Secretary to the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC); and Mr Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai.

A strong and impactful start to India Series 2, reflecting the growing interest and strong market potential for Malaysia among Indian travellers. Tourism Malaysia remains committed to strengthening industry partnerships and creating more opportunities to promote Malaysia as a preferred destination for Indian travellers.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Strengthens India Market Engagement In Support Of Visit Malaysia 2026 Campaign Through 2027

 

CHENNAI – Tourism Malaysia continued to strengthen its presence in the Indian market through its Sales Mission Series 2, held in Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi from 12 to 20 August 2026, reaffirming Malaysia's commitment to maintaining strong engagement with one of its most important international source markets while navigating the evolving global travel landscape.

The sales mission brought together 40 Malaysian tourism stakeholders, comprising tour operators, hoteliers and airline partners, to strengthen trade partnerships, expand business opportunities and reinforce Malaysia's position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers. The programme also served as a platform for business-to-business (B2B) engagements, networking and the development of new travel opportunities between Malaysian and Indian tourism stakeholders.

The mission was led by Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and organised in collaboration with Batik Air, reflecting the strong publicprivate partnership in promoting Malaysia as a premier tourism destination.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Supports MATTA Connect 2026 Ahead Of Visit Malaysia 2026

 

PERAK - The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) organised MATTA Connect 2026, a Business-to-Business (B2B) travel marketplace that serves as a platform for tourism stakeholders to strengthen business networks, foster strategic collaborations and explore new business opportunities in support of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

The event brought together 73 sellers from 14 countries, 33 hosted international buyers from Singapore, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Uzbekistan and India, as well as 229 domestic buyers, providing extensive opportunities for business engagement between local and international tourism industry players.

On 29 July 2026, the opening ceremony was officiated by YB Tuan Loh Sze Yee, Perak State Executive Council Member for Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development at Ipoh Convention Centre (ICC) and Grand Ballroom, AC Hotel by Marriott Ipoh, Perak. Also in attendance were Mr. Nigel Wong, President of MATTA, Mr. Chong Yu Ken, Organising Chairman of MATTA Connect 2026 and MATTA Vice President (Outbound), Mr. Muhammad Aminuddin Abdul Majid, Perak State Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) and Ms. Wendy Shin, Chairman of the MATTA Perak Chapter.

The programme featured a Business Forum, Product Presentations, B2B Business Matching sessions and networking activities. As part of the Business Forum, Tourism Malaysia delivered a presentation on Malaysia’s tourism performance, the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign and Tourism Malaysia’s strategic directions. Tourism Malaysia also participated as one of the Strategic Partners of MATTA Connect 2026, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the growth and development of Malaysia’s tourism industry.

The closing ceremony was officiated by YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of MOTAC on 30 July 2026. Also in attendance were YBrs. Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan, Director General of the Islamic Tourism Centre, Mr. Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and Madam Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director of the International Promotion Division (Asia/Africa), Tourism Malaysia. The event was attended by approximately 600 participants comprising tourism industry stakeholders.

MATTA Connect 2026 successfully provided a valuable platform for strengthening collaboration among tourism stakeholders, facilitating business networking and promoting Malaysia’s tourism offerings in support of the VM2026 campaign. Tourism Malaysia’s participation further reinforced its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing the country’s tourism industry.

-Tourism Malaysia.

MATTA Connect gains traction as B2B platform

 

The recently concluded MATTA Connect in Ipoh strengthened its credentials as a regional B2B travel trade platform after its second edition attracted 300 local and international buyers and 100 sellers, with buyers and exhibitors reporting quality business meetings and new commercial opportunities. 

MATTA president Nigel Wong noted that stronger participation, broader international representation and higher-quality business engagements demonstrated that the industry valued a dedicated B2B platform alongside the association’s flagship consumer-focused MATTA Fair. 

“The second edition saw stronger participation, broader international representation and more quality business engagements, which reinforces that the industry values such a platform,” he said, adding that the return of previous participants alongside new delegates reflected growing confidence in the event. 

Wong stated MATTA Connect had evolved beyond business matching into a platform where industry stakeholders could exchange ideas on market trends, innovation, sustainability and future collaboration. Looking ahead, he added MATTA would continue to strengthen participation from regional and emerging markets while showcasing Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings, particularly second-tier destinations and unique local experiences. 

Delegates said that the event had delivered meaningful business opportunities. 

Returning for a second time as a buyer, Kedah-based Morahols Travel CEO Eric R Sinnaya shared this year’s edition generated promising leads with inbound and outbound operators from India and Uzbekistan. 

“I met many serious buyers and sellers. The relaxed format allows discussions to continue beyond the scheduled business matching sessions, making it easier to build relationships,” he said. 

Melody Lee, inbound department manager at Jinghe International Travel Agency, noted that the event attracted high-quality buyers with strong interest in FIT leisure travel and private tours to China. 

“I secured bookings for year-end departures and early 2027, while also establishing new business contacts. Face-to-face meetings remain essential for building trust with partners,” she said. 

Guohui Shi, inbound travel specialist at China Prime DMC, observed that Malaysian demand for travel to China had grown steadily following the implementation of the Malaysia-China mutual visa exemption arrangement. He attended MATTA Connect to strengthen relationships with Malaysian outbound agents while gaining a better understanding of Malaysian travellers’ preferences to develop products better suited to the market. 

Rather than measuring success solely by exhibitor or buyer numbers, Wong emphasised MATTA’s long-term focus was on the quality of business outcomes and partnerships generated through the platform. 

“We want to see stronger connections between international buyers and Malaysian tourism players, especially in promoting local destinations, second-tier cities and unique tourism products that can bring greater benefits to communities across the country,” he said.

-TTG Asia.

MATTA Connect returns to Ipoh to support Visit Malaysia goals

 

Selected international buyers will explore Perak attractions, including Royal Belum Rainforest, pictured, ahead of MATTA Connect 2026

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) will stage the second edition of MATTA Connect from July 29 to 30 at the Ipoh Convention Centre in Perak, following the inaugural event held in Kuala Lumpur in April 2025. 

The B2B travel marketplace will bring together buyers, sellers and tourism stakeholders from Malaysia and across South-east Asia for two days of business matching, networking, destination presentations and industry discussions. Malaysia’s minister of tourism, arts and culture, Tiong King Sing, will attend the closing dinner on July 30, where he is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.  

Nigel Wong, president of MATTA, said: “Following the success of our inaugural edition last year, MATTA Connect has established itself as an important platform for tourism businesses, buyers and destination partners to forge meaningful collaborations and unlock new business opportunities.” 

He added that MATTA Connect plays a strategic role in supporting Visit Malaysia 2026, while continuing to drive business matching, knowledge sharing and market expansion into 2027, strengthening the competitiveness of Malaysian travel businesses. 

Wong said the minister’s attendance reflects the importance of industry-government collaboration in driving Malaysia’s tourism growth. 

“The minister’s presence reflected the importance of strong industry-government collaboration in driving Malaysia’s tourism growth.” 

MATTA Connect 2026 will feature structured B2B business matching sessions and a business forum covering tourism trends, digital transformation, innovation and market opportunities. Participants will include international buyers, destination management companies, airlines, hotels, attractions and travel service providers. The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) will also participate, creating additional opportunities for cross-border collaboration across South-east Asia. 

Selected semi-hosted international buyers will take part in a five-day pre-tour from July 24 to 28, visiting Perak’s tourism attractions, including Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, the Lenggong Valley and the Royal Belum State Park. 

The programme is designed to provide buyers with first-hand destination experiences before participating in scheduled business meetings, enabling them to better promote Perak and Malaysia in their respective international markets. 

“Ipoh was chosen as the host city for MATTA Connect 2026 to showcase Perak’s rich tourism offerings while creating meaningful business opportunities for the industry,” said Ken Chong, organising chairman of MATTA Connect 2026. 

He said the event was designed as a long-term platform to strengthen Malaysia’s tourism industry beyond Visit Malaysia 2026, while creating lasting value for MATTA members in 2027 and beyond. 

MATTA Connect 2026 is supported by Tourism Perak, alongside destination partners Penang Global Tourism and the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).

-TTG Asia.

Tourism Malaysia Strengthens Presence In Turkmenistan With Destination Seminar In Ashgabat

 

Guest of Honour (from Left): Mr. Agamydrove Akynyyaz Agajumayevich, Head of Tourism Department, Ministry Culture of Turkmenistan, Ms. Yazmalina Yaacob, First Secretary, Embassy of Malaysia Turkmenistan, Ms. Gulshat Yazyevna, Deputy Head of Ministry of Culture Turkmenistan and Mr. Nor Shazly Azmi, Director of Tourism Malaysia Almaty.

ASHGABAT — Tourism Malaysia has reinforced its commitment to the Turkmen market by hosting its first dedicated industry engagement programme in Ashgabat, marking another important milestone in expanding Malaysia's presence across Central Asia and supporting the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. 

Organised with the support of the Embassy of Malaysia in Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the programme brought together representatives from government agencies, airlines, travel companies, and the media to explore opportunities for expanding tourism exchanges between the two countries. 

The initiative comes shortly after the official visit of The Right Honourable Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, to Turkmenistan, during which both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across a number of strategic sectors. Building on this positive momentum, Tourism Malaysia continues to deepen its engagement with government institutions and key travel industry players to unlock new opportunities for strategic tourism partnerships and collaboration. 

Speaking at the event, Mr Nor Shazly Azmi, Director of the Tourism Malaysia Almaty Office, highlighted the growing importance of Turkmenistan within Tourism Malaysia's regional strategy. 

"Turkmenistan is an emerging market with strong long-term potential for Malaysia. The combination of direct air connectivity, close bilateral relations, and increasing interest in international travel creates a solid foundation for future growth. We are committed to working closely with our partners in Turkmenistan to build destination awareness, broaden industry partnerships, and encourage more travellers to choose Malaysia." 

As one of the world's leading Muslim-friendly destinations, Malaysia offers travellers from Turkmenistan a welcoming environment, extensive halal facilities, a rich Islamic heritage, and a diverse range of tourism experiences. These strengths are set to play an essential role in driving momentum and attracting more visitors in conjunction with the VM2026 campaign. 

Malaysia continues to see encouraging interest from the Turkmen market. In 2025, Malaysia welcomed 10,751 visitors from Turkmenistan, representing a 42.5 per cent increase compared to the 7,545 arrivals in the previous year. By recording 3,482 visitor arrivals as of May 2026, the nation continues to demonstrate the strong, long-term potential of this market. Furthermore, the direct air connectivity between Ashgabat and Kuala Lumpur remains a vital catalyst for tourism development, making travel significantly more accessible while creating new opportunities for leisure, business, and educational exchanges. 

The industry engagement programme also served as an excellent platform to enhance relationships with local travel trade partners, explore new collaborative initiatives, and share the latest developments in Malaysia's tourism offerings. Tourism Malaysia will continue to expand and implement its targeted promotional activities in Turkmenistan as part of its ongoing strategic efforts to drive international visitor arrivals from across the Central Asian region.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Expands Indian Outreach With Visit Malaysia 2026 Roadshow In Nashik And Sambhajinagar

 

NASHIK — Tourism Malaysia continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian market with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) Roadshow in Nashik and Sambhajinagar from 7 to 9th July 2026. This is part of the ongoing efforts to further enhance collaboration with the Indian tourism trade partners while promoting Malaysia’s tourism offerings, unique experiences and upcoming events under the VM2026 campaign. 

The roadshow provides an important platform for travel trade partners from the state of Maharashtra to engage directly with Malaysian industry stakeholders, reinforcing business relationships and exploring new collaboration opportunities. This initiative also highlights Malaysia’s continuous commitment to delivering diverse, accessible and value-driven travel experiences tailored to Indian travellers. 

Led by Ms. Haryanty Abu Bakar, Director of Tourism Malaysia Mumbai, the 11-member delegation comprises representatives from travel agencies, airlines, and tourism product operators. “India continues to be one of Malaysia’s key source markets, and Maharashtra has shown tremendous growth potential for outbound tourism,” said Ms. Haryanty Abu Bakar. 

“Through this roadshow, we aim to enhance our partnerships with the travel trade fraternity in Nashik and Sambhajinagar, the tier-two cities in Maharashtra, while showcasing Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings and experiences during the ongoing Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.” 

India is one of the key markets for Malaysia’s tourism industry. In 2025, Malaysia welcomed 1.5 million visitors from India, marking a 14.6 per cent increase compared to 1.3 million in 2024. From January to May 2026, over 600,000 Indian visitors travelled to Malaysia, demonstrating Malaysia’s tourism appeal to the Indian market as a premier destination. 

Air connectivity between Malaysia and India remains prominent in boosting this momentum, with airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air and IndiGo, connecting 11 Indian cities including Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Trivandrum and others to Malaysia. The India-Malaysia sector currently operates more than 200 weekly direct flights, further boosting travel convenience and tourism growth between the two countries. There are currently 17 weekly direct flights operating between Mumbai and Kuala Lumpur by Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air, providing convenient direct access to Malaysia for travellers from Maharashtra. 

Tourism Malaysia remains committed to working closely with Indian travel trade partners, airlines, media, and stakeholders. By nurturing these vital relationships, we aim to elevate our market presence and drive sustainable visitor arrivals, ensuring the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign delivers unforgettable experiences and mutual growth for all involved.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia And MyCEB Strengthen Presence In Central Asia Through Strategic Business Events Engagements

 

ALMATY & TASHKENT — The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), with the support of Tourism Malaysia Almaty and the Embassy of Malaysia in the Republic of Uzbekistan, successfully organised the Malaysia Business Events Seminars in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 2 June 2026 and in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on 4 June 2026, marking Malaysia’s inaugural business events engagements in both cities. The seminars brought together representatives from the tourism industry, corporate sector, event organisers and the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The engagements served as dedicated platforms to showcase Malaysia’s capabilities as a preferred destination for business events, conferences, exhibitions and incentive travel programmes. 

The opening and welcome remarks were delivered by Mr. Arhan Syafrisyah Shah Anuar, Counsellor of the Embassy of Malaysia to the Republic of Uzbekistan, on behalf of the Ambassador of Malaysia; Mr. Nor Shazly Azmi, Director of the Tourism Malaysia Almaty Office; and Mr. Edward Lim Chee Chong, Senior Manager of the Business Development Division at MyCEB. During both seminars, representatives from MyCEB and Tourism Malaysia highlighted Malaysia’s strengths as an international business events destination, including its well-developed infrastructure, modern hospitality sector, competitive pricing, efficient logistics and strong international air connectivity. Special emphasis was placed on Kuala Lumpur as one of Asia’s leading business events hubs, supported by a comprehensive ecosystem for meetings, conferences and exhibitions, as well as continued government support for the business events industry. 

Mr Nor Shazly Azmi, Director of Tourism Malaysia Almaty Office, said, “Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan continued to demonstrate encouraging growth as emerging markets for Malaysia. Improving air connectivity and expanding flight options between Central Asia and Malaysia made the destination increasingly accessible for both leisure and business travellers. These inaugural seminars in Almaty and Tashkent marked important milestones in strengthening tourism and business ties while showcasing Malaysia’s broader potential as a destination for corporate travel, incentive programmes and international events.” 

Meanwhile, Mr Edward Lim Chee Chong, Senior Manager of Business Development Division at MyCEB, said, “We saw significant potential for collaboration with Central Asian markets, particularly amid growing interest in Malaysia from the business tourism and corporate sectors across the region. Supported by modern infrastructure, strong international connectivity, government support and a diverse range of venues, Malaysia continued to offer highly competitive advantages for business events of all scales.” 

The seminar in Almaty also featured a tourism presentation by Ms Kamilla Chaldanbayeva, Marketing Officer of Tourism Malaysia Almaty, which showcased Malaysia’s tourism offerings for the Kazakhstan market, including leisure, family, luxury and business travel experiences. Participants were introduced to Malaysia’s offerings for conferences, corporate meetings and incentive programmes, alongside the growing potential of bleisure travel experiences that combine business and leisure tourism. The seminars also served as platforms for establishing new professional networks and exploring future collaboration opportunities between Malaysian and Central Asian tourism and business events industry players. 

The programmes highlighted the growing potential for cooperation between Malaysia and Central Asian countries in tourism, trade and business engagement, reflecting strengthening bilateral ties and increasing interest from both tourism and corporate sectors, in line with efforts under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. In 2025, Malaysia welcomed more than 43,000 visitors from Kazakhstan, making it the largest source market for Malaysia in Central Asia, while more than 20,000 visitors from Uzbekistan travelled to Malaysia, reflecting growing interest in the destination and strengthening people-to-people ties between the countries. Malaysia continues to strengthen connectivity with Central Asia through an expanding network of direct and connecting flights between Kuala Lumpur and the region. Current and upcoming routes include AirAsia X services between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty, direct flights operated by Uzbekistan Airways and Batik Air Malaysia between Kuala Lumpur and Tashkent, as well as Turkmenistan Airlines services connecting Kuala Lumpur and Ashgabat.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Eyes North Africa Market At SITEV 2026

 

ALGIERS – Tourism Malaysia is intensifying promotional efforts in the North African market through its participation in the 25th Salon International du Tourisme et des Voyages (SITEV) 2026, held from 18 to 21 May 2026 in Algiers, Algeria, as part of the ongoing Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign to present Malaysia as a premier destination for leisure and business tourism.

North Africa continues to emerge as a high potential market for Malaysia, driven by the increasing outbound travel demand and growing interest in long-haul destinations among travellers from the region. Algeria, in particular, has recorded encouraging growth, reflecting strong potential for further expansion in visitor arrivals to Malaysia. From January to December 2025, Malaysia welcomed 19,636 travellers from Algeria, representing a 14.53 per cent increase from the 17,145 travellers recorded in 2024. The upward trend in traveller arrivals from Algeria continues, with a total of 2,167 travellers recorded in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 7.86 per cent increase from the previous year. This growth reflects sustained interest in Malaysia as a preferred Muslim-friendly and long-haul travel destination.

A contributing factor to this strong momentum is the direct Air Algérie service between Algiers and Kuala Lumpur, which currently operates three weekly flights, playing a crucial role in enhancing accessibility and connectivity between the two destinations. The direct air link is expected to support further growth in tourism, business exchanges, and travel demand from the North African region.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Amplifies Promotions At The Thailand Dive Expo (TDEX) & Thailand Golf Expo (TGEX) 2026

 

BANGKOK, THAILAND — Tourism Malaysia anchored a powerful showcase at the Thailand Dive Expo (TDEX) and Thailand Golf Expo (TGEX) 2026, held from 21 to 24 May 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok. As one of the largest niche travel exhibitions in the region, TDEX and TGEX attract thousands of international and Thai visitors, providing an ideal platform to promote Malaysia as a premier destination for golf and diving enthusiasts. 

At the event, Tourism Malaysia’s partners proudly showcased the country’s world-class marine biodiversity and iconic golf destinations through specially curated travel packages. For diving experiences, packages such as Dive Mate, Freedom Dive, The Living Sea, and Dive Diary were presented, while Golf Asian and Golf Sini packages were developed to market exclusive golfing experiences. Additionally, a wide range of promotional deals were offered by prominent Thai travel agents, giving visitors direct access to tailored holiday expertise. Malaysia Airlines was also a key participant, promoting its extensive flight connectivity to support seamless travel for international visitors. 

Mr Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia stated: “Our participation in this integrated niche event presents a valuable opportunity to position Malaysia as a premier golfing destination and a world-class diving haven, as we recognise the strong growth potential generated by these specialised tourism segments. We are excited to participate in TDEX and TGEX 2026 with enhanced travel packages and improved connectivity. We are confident Malaysia will continue to captivate international travellers seeking world-class golf experiences and extraordinary underwater adventures.” 

In line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, Tourism Malaysia’s participation at TDEX and TGEX 2026 reflects its strategic efforts to position the country as a leading destination for niche and high-value tourism segments, particularly golf and diving tourism. By leveraging international platforms like these, Malaysia continues to strengthen its global visibility, attract quality travellers, and promote sustainable tourism practices that support environmental conservation and local communities. 

Malaysia welcomed 612,040 Thai visitors in the first quarter of 2026. Tourism Malaysia will continue to intensify its promotional efforts in Thailand through strategic partnerships, consumer engagement activities, and trade collaborations to sustain tourism growth momentum and maximise the impact of the VM2026 campaign.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Strengthens Promotion In Rajkot And Vadodara Through Visit Malaysia 2026 Roadshow

 

RAJKOT – Tourism Malaysia Mumbai continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian market through the organisation of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) Roadshow in Rajkot and Vadodara from 19 to 21 May 2026. The roadshow forms part of Tourism Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to further enhance collaboration with the Indian tourism trade partners while promoting Malaysia’s tourism offerings, unique experiences and upcoming events under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

The seminar is led by Ms. Haryanty Abu Bakar, Director of Tourism Malaysia Mumbai, together with delegations of 13 Malaysian tourism stakeholders, consisting of representatives from travel agencies, airlines, tourism and tourism product operators.

The roadshow provides an important platform for travel trade partners from the state of Gujarat to engage directly with Malaysian sellers, thereby reinforcing business relationships and exploring new collaboration opportunities. This initiative also highlights Malaysia’s continuous commitment to delivering diverse, accessible and value-driven travel experiences tailored to Indian travellers.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Misi Jualan Pelancongan Malaysia Ke Indonesia Perluas Peluang Kerjasama Strategik Industri Pelancongan

 

INDONESIA – Tourism Malaysia telah menganjurkan Misi Promosi Pelancongan Malaysia ke Indonesia yang bermula di Surabaya, diikuti Jakarta dan Medan dari 24 hingga 29 April 2026. Misi ini bertujuan memperkukuh kerjasama pelancongan antara Malaysia dan wilayah-wilayah utama Indonesia di samping mempromosikan kempen Melawat Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Delegasi Malaysia menghimpunkan 50 organisasi termasuk Penang Global Tourism (PGT), Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), agensi pelancongan, syarikat penerbangan, hotel dan resort, hospital serta pemilik produk pelancongan. Penyertaan yang menggalakkan ini mencerminkan komitmen berterusan Malaysia dalam memperluas kerjasama strategik serta mempererat hubungan dengan penggiat industri pelancongan Indonesia.

Misi ini turut menyaksikan kehadiran YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia di Jakarta sekaligus menegaskan kepentingan strategik pasaran Indonesia. Program ini merangkumi majlis makan malam gala, diikuti seminar dan sesi travel mart yang memberi tumpuan kepada kempen VM2026 serta program MM2H, di samping sesi libat urus berimpak tinggi bersama penggiat industri pelancongan di setiap bandar bagi memperkukuh kerjasama serta meneroka peluang baharu.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Reinforces Market Engagement At Pakistan Travel Mart 2026

 

KARACHI — Tourism Malaysia returned to Pakistan Travel Mart 2026 (PTM 2026) after a five-year hiatus, participating from 3 to 5 April 2026 at the Karachi Expo Centre. The participation marks a strategic re-engagement with Pakistan’s travel trade and consumers, as Tourism Malaysia showcases the country’s diverse tourism offerings in line with PTM’s theme, “Shaping the Future of Travel: Innovation, Sustainability & Global Connectivity.” 

This renewed participation follows the last appearance at PTM in 2019 and underscores efforts by Tourism Malaysia to rebuild market momentum while strengthening long-standing partnerships with key stakeholders in Pakistan. The 2026 edition of PTM introduces enhanced programming, including curated thematic districts and industry-focused platforms designed to encourage collaboration, promote sustainable tourism solutions and support global connectivity. 

Tourism Malaysia’s presence at PTM 2026 is bolstered by a delegation of 8 Malaysian tourism sellers including travel agents and hotel representatives. These companies will engage in structured B2B meetings and networking sessions with Pakistani travel trade stakeholders. The primary objectives are to develop market-ready travel packages, strengthen distribution partnerships and explore joint promotional opportunities to stimulate travel demand to Malaysia. 

“We are delighted to re-engage with Pakistan’s travel market at PTM 2026. This participation reflects Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening tourism ties, enhancing air connectivity and promoting sustainable holiday experiences, while also highlighting new growth segments such as MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and educational tourism. Through strategic collaborations, we aim to drive long-term visitor growth and generate mutual economic benefits,” said Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. 

At the exhibition, the Malaysia pavilion features immersive content across key segments, including leisure tourism, MICE and halal-friendly travel. The delegation is also conducting media briefings and consumer outreach activities to promote direct air connectivity, curated travel packages and collaborative marketing initiatives with Pakistani partners. In parallel, Tourism Malaysia will explore new partnerships that leverage innovation and sustainability, the core pillars of PTM 2026 which are to support long-term tourism growth while delivering meaningful benefits to local communities. 

PTM 2026 also features several concurrent programmes aligned closely with Tourism Malaysia’s strategic priorities. Key highlights include the PTM Live Podcast which will host thought leadership discussions on emerging travel trends and the Sustainable Destinations Forum focusing on ecotourism, responsible destination management and community-based tourism. 

The engagement continues with a two-day Islamabad Roadshow scheduled from 7 to 8 April 2026 aimed at strengthening engagement with travel trade partners and media in Pakistan’s capital city. These platforms provide valuable opportunities for Tourism Malaysia to introduce new itineraries, cultural experiences and green tourism initiatives to both trade buyers and consumers. 

Pakistan continues to be a consistent contributor to Malaysia’s international visitor arrivals. From January to December 2025, Malaysia welcomed 135,867 visitors from Pakistan, representing a 27.7 per cent increase compared with 2024. This also reflects a 24.1 per cent growth compared with the 109,521 visitors recorded in 2019, successfully surpassing pre-pandemic levels. 

This growth is supported by robust air connectivity between Malaysia and Pakistan. Currently, 14 weekly flights operated by Batik Air, AirAsia X and Pakistan International Airlines connect Kuala Lumpur with Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, providing a total weekly seat capacity of 4,293, making travel between the two nations accessible and convenient. 

Malaysia remains a premier holiday destination for the Pakistani market, offering diverse experiences, rich cultural attractions and halal-friendly tourism products tailored to the preferences of Pakistani travellers.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Pavilion Launching At ITB Berlin 2026

 

GERMANY, 3 March 2026 - The Malaysia Pavilion was officially launched on 3 March 2026 at ITB Berlin, at Berlin ExpoCenter City, reaffirming Malaysia’s strong and strategic presence at the world’s leading travel trade exhibition.

The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia and graced by H.E. Mohamad Razdan Jamil, Ambassador-designate of Malaysia to the Federal Republic of Germany together with YB Datuk Wira Abdul Razak Haji Abdul Rahman (Malacca State Executive Council for Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture), YB Datuk Kamarudin Md Nor (Kelantan State Executive Council of Tourism, Culture, Arts & Heritage), YB Mdm. Leong Yu Man (Pahang State Executive Council for Unity, Tourism and Culture), Ms. Chua Yee Ling (Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor), Mr. Julinus Jeffery Jimit (Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah Tourism Board) and Dr. Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari (Tourism Manager of LADA).

Spanning 988 sqm at Hall 26, Booth 103; the Pavilion brings together 81 organisations and over 130 Malaysian tourism industry players, showcasing Malaysia’s diverse destinations, rich cultural heritage and world-class travel experiences in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.

Malaysia’s growing momentum in the European market further reinforces this strong participation, with 1.69 million visitors from Europe recorded in 2025, reflecting a 13.2% increase compared to 2024. Germany alone contributed 188,928 visitors, marking a 10.7% year-on-year growth and reaffirming its position as a key high-value source market. Over the next three days, the Pavilion will host business meetings, destination presentations and cultural showcases aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships and generating tangible outcomes for the 2026 - 2027 period.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Highlights Sabah In Vietnam: Expanding New Cooperation Opportunities In The Vietnamese Tourism Market

 

HO CHI MINH— In an effort to strengthen the promotion of Sabah in the Vietnamese market, Sabah Tourism Destination & B2B Forum was hosted in Ho Chi Minh City on 12 January 2026. The event was jointly organised by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Tourism Malaysia Ho Chi Minh City office and the Sabah Enhanced Travel Innovation Association (SETIA), creating a direct networking platform for Sabah-based tourism businesses and Vietnamese travel partners. 

The forum brought together 21 delegates representing 18 tourism companies from Sabah, participating in table-top B2B sessions with partners in Ho Chi Minh City that open doors for new travel packages, joint promotions, and stronger partnerships to boost visitor arrivals from Vietnam to Sabah. 

Delivering the opening remarks, Ms. Amirah Nadiah Mazlan, Director of Tourism Malaysia in Vietnam, stated: “Through today’s networking session, Malaysia aims to expand collaboration with the Vietnamese market and position Sabah as an increasingly familiar destination for Vietnamese travellers. With its strength in nature, authentic local experiences, and a strong commitment to sustainable tourism development, Sabah is ready to work closely with Vietnamese partners to develop strategic, long-term tourism products that meet the needs of modern travellers.” 

Enhanced air connectivity remains vital for tourism growth between Malaysia and Vietnam. With AirAsia operating direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Kota Kinabalu within just over two hours, this seamless link not only makes Sabah more accessible to Vietnamese travellers but also empowers tourism businesses on both sides to create short-haul, flexible, and attractive travel products. 

Sharing insights on Sabah’s approach to the Vietnamese market, Mr. Julinus Jeffry Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah Tourism Board remarked: “Vietnam is recognised as one of Sabah’s most promising emerging markets. By fostering direct connections among industry players, we aim to expand our partnership network and build sustainable, long-term collaborations with Vietnamese tourism partners.” 

Through the event, the Sabah Tourism Board also shared updates on its preparations for the upcoming strategic milestone Visit Sabah Year 2027. Under the new positioning, “Explore Sabah – Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary”, Sabah seeks to strengthen its role as one of Malaysia’s leading destinations for nature-based tourism, adventure travel, and indigenous cultural experiences, while complementing the broader objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Sabah is also expected to become a strategic destination partner for Vietnamese travel businesses, offering fresh and distinctive travel experiences for Vietnamese visitors in the coming years. 

The Sabah Tourism Board also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable tourism development, ensuring a balanced approach between economic growth, environmental conservation and community well-being. Community-based tourism (CoBT) remains a key pillar of this strategy. Recently, five CoBT operators in Sabah received national-level recognition under the ASEAN Tourism Standard, setting benchmarks for community-based tourism models across the region. 

As Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) officially commences, promotional and trade engagement activities in the Vietnamese market are viewed not only as destination marketing efforts, but also as meaningful contributions to further strengthening bilateral relations between Malaysia and Vietnam. Through this national campaign, Malaysia targets 43 million international visitor arrivals, reaffirming tourism’s role as one of the country’s key economic drivers. By enhancing tourism cooperation and generating positive spillover effects in related sectors such as aviation, trade, services and investment, Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) is expected to drive two-way growth, deliver tangible socio-economic benefits for both countries, and reinforce the foundation for long-term, sustainable cooperation.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Global Travel Meet 2025: Malaysia Set To Host International Tourism Business Event, Driving Forward VISIT MALAYSIA 2026

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 October 2025 – Tourism Malaysia proudly hosts the Global Travel Meet 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur from 1–3 October 2025, bringing together 600 international buyers, 100 media representatives, and 400 Malaysian sellers including hoteliers, travel agents, airlines, and tourism product providers under one roof.

This three-day event features B2B sessions, strategic networking, business matching, and FAM trips, showcasing Malaysia’s diverse offerings — from cultural heritage and eco-tourism to gastronomy and adventure travel.

With strong support from industry partners, the programme marks a key milestone in paving the way for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), where Malaysia is set to welcome 47 million international visitors.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia sasar jadi hab pelancongan serantau menerusi Global Travel Meet 2025

 

image: Tourism Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia menyasarkan untuk muncul sebagai hab pelancongan serantau melalui penganjuran Global Travel Meet 2025 yang dilihat sebagai platform penting memperkukuh sektor pelancongan, perdagangan dan pertukaran budaya di rantau ini. 

Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya, Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan berkata, acara yang berlangsung selepas hampir dua dekad selepas kali terakhir diadakan pada 2007 itu bukan sekadar sesi dialog, sebaliknya menjadi medan strategik untuk membentuk hala tuju baharu pelancongan negara. 

"Acara ini diharap dapat melahirkan idea baharu, mengukuhkan kerjasama sedia ada dan membuka ruang perkongsian strategik bagi membangunkan perniagaan, memperkasa komuniti serta mewujudkan pengalaman bermakna kepada pelancong di seluruh dunia. 

"Penganjuran edisi kali ini cukup istimewa apabila menghimpunkan lebih 600 pembeli, 400 penjual dan 100 wakil media antarabangsa di bawah satu bumbung," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap di program Global Travel Meet 2025, di Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) di sini, hari ini.  

Program berkenaan berlangsung selama tiga hari bermula hari ini sehingga 3 Oktober.

Tambah Khairul Firdaus, acara ini turut mendapat sokongan strategik daripada Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association (MICA) dan Malaysian Indian Tour & Travel Association (MITTA), selain kerjasama rapat syarikat penerbangan negara iaitu Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air dan AirAsia. 

Katanya, pencapaian pelancongan negara juga membanggakan apabila Malaysia merekodkan 38 juta pelancong antarabangsa pada 2024 iaitu meningkat sebanyak 31 peratus berbanding tahun sebelumnya. 

Tambah beliau, bagi tahun ini sahaja antara Januari hingga Julai, sebanyak 24.5 juta pelancong direkodkan dengan pasaran utama termasuk Singapura, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei, India, Filipina, Korea Selatan, Australia dan Taiwan. 

Pada masa sama, beliau turut menyeru semua pemain industri yang hadir agar memanfaatkan sepenuhnya Global Travel Meet 2025 dengan menjalin kerjasama baharu, bertukar pandangan dan mencetuskan inovasi untuk kejayaan bersama. 

"Semoga acara ini menjadi pemangkin bukan sahaja kepada kejayaan Tahun Melawat Malaysia (TMM) 2026, tetapi juga untuk membina komuniti global yang lebih terangkum dan saling terhubung. 

"GTM 2025 dijangka menjadi platform penting memacu kerjasama antarabangsa sekali gus mengangkat Malaysia sebagai destinasi utama pelancongan dunia," katanya.

-berita harian online.

Global Travel Meet 2025 @ World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur ( 1 ~ 3 October 2025 )

 

Global Travel Meet 2025 stands as Malaysia's premier international platform for advancing the tourism industry, bringing together leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from across the globe. Hosted at the iconic World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, this three-day business event will convene over 600 qualified buyers from ASEAN, Asia & Africa and Americas Europe & Oceania, alongside 400 Malaysian sellers representing diverse tourism products and services. 

The programme is designed to foster strategic engagement and business growth through impactful B2B sessions and insightful Tourism Seminar, creating avenues for collaboration and long-term partnerships.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Majlis Perasmian 'Visit Malaysia Travel Meet' (VMTM) 2025

 

MELAKA, 26 SEPTEMBER |  Bersempena dengan sambutan 'World Tourism Day 2025' dan 'World Tourism Conference 2025', Lembaga Penggalakan Pelancongan Malaysia (Tourism Malaysia) julung-julung kalinya menganjurkan 'Visit Malaysia Travel Meet 2025' (VMTM 2025) pada 26 hingga 28 September 2025 bertempat di Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC).

Pameran pelancongan ini menghimpunkan lebih 180 pempamer dengan tawaran pakej pelancongan eksklusif serta harga istimewa melalui dua segmen utama:

'Business-to-Business' (B2B) pada 26 September 2025 – melibatkan penggiat industri & syarikat korporat

'Business-to-Consumer' (B2C) pada 27 & 28 September 2025 – terbuka kepada orang ramai

VMTM 2025 telah dirasmikan oleh YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh, Ketua Menteri Melaka dan turut dihadiri oleh YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya.

Penganjuran ini bukan sahaja memperkukuh industri pelancongan domestik, malah menyokong sasaran 280 juta pelawat domestik pada tahun 2025 serta memperhebat promosi menuju Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

-MOTAC.

Sabah & Labuan Meet East Coast Roadshow 2025 Kicks Off in Kota Bharu

 

Tourism Malaysia officially launched the Sabah & Labuan Meet East Coast Roadshow 2025 in Kota Bharu on 21 September, with the next session set for Kuantan on 23 September.

Organised in collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board and Labuan Corporation, the initiative provides a strategic platform to strengthen industry partnerships and boost travel flows between the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Labuan.

With B2B sessions, knowledge-sharing presentations, and the participation of more than 100 East Coast buyers, the programme underscores ongoing efforts to diversify tourism packages and enhance interstate collaboration in support of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

-Tourism Malaysia.