BENGALURU, INDIA (13 February 2026) – Tourism Malaysia, in partnership with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), successfully concluded its Sales Mission 2026 today at the Shangri-La Bengaluru. The event served as a high-impact networking hub, bringing together 49 Malaysian sellers and key travel trade partners from across Karnataka to reinforce Malaysia’s position as a premier outbound destination.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Connectivity
Led by Tourism Malaysia Chairman, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, and Senior Director Mdm Nuwal Fadhilah binti Ku Azmi, the mission underscores Malaysia’s commitment to the Indian market. India remains a vital source of tourism; in 2025, Malaysia recorded 1,565,194 Indian arrivals, marking a 14.6% growth from the previous year.
For the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), the country has set an ambitious target of 2.1 million arrivals from India. This goal is supported by robust aviation infrastructure, featuring:
- 238 weekly direct flights from 14 Indian cities.
- A dominant contribution from South India, providing 151 weekly flights and over 29,000 seats.
- Batik Air serving as the official Partner Airline for the Bengaluru programme.
A Strategic Focus on Diverse Segments
The mission highlighted Malaysia’s diverse appeal, ranging from luxury island escapes and cultural heritage to niche segments like MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and destination weddings.
“Tourism serves as a strategic pillar in Malaysia-India relations,” stated Mr. K. Saravana Kumar, Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai. He emphasized that the Consulate is actively facilitating industry partnerships and promotional initiatives to enhance destination awareness.
Looking Ahead to VMY2026
Mr. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai, identified Bengaluru as one of the strongest markets in South India. He noted that the mission provides a vital platform for local trade partners to gain updated destination knowledge and explore new opportunities ahead of the VMY2026 campaign.
Through these coordinated efforts, Tourism Malaysia aims to deepen cultural exchanges and ensure Malaysia remains a top-of-mind, accessible destination for Indian travelers seeking leisure, adventure, and business experiences.
