Malaysia is ramping up its tourism promotion in South Indian cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kochi, recognizing the important role these cities play in driving tourist arrivals.
Together, these cities are responsible for a significant portion of flights from India to Malaysia, with 84 weekly flights offering a total of 12,395 seats per week.
Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, highlighted the importance of the South Indian market, saying, “India has been a key market for Malaysia for over 20 years, and with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) approaching, we are aiming to attract 1.6 million Indian tourists. Southern India, with its strong flight connections, is vital to our growth strategy.”
In 2024, Malaysia welcomed over 1.1 million Indian tourists, setting a new record. Building on this success, the country is targeting 1.4 million Indian visitors in 2025 and 1.6 million in 2026 as part of the VMY2026 campaign.
A key factor driving this growth is Malaysia’s visa-free entry policy for Indian citizens, which has been extended until December 31, 2026. This move has made it easier for Indian travelers to visit Malaysia.
Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai, emphasized the wide range of offerings that make Malaysia attractive to different types of travelers. He said, “Whether it’s for business, a dream wedding, or a family vacation, Malaysia has something for everyone.”
Wedding tourism is growing rapidly, with more Indian couples choosing Malaysia as their wedding destination.
With excellent connectivity from Southern India, Malaysia’s diverse attractions, and favorable visa policies, the country is well-positioned to be the top choice for Indian travelers as it prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
