Malaysia is ramping up its focus on key South Indian cities such as Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kochi to boost tourism, according to the latest data from the Malaysian Tourism Department. These cities play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s tourism strategy, contributing nearly half of the flights from India to Malaysia.

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With 151 weekly flights offering 26,686 seats per week, direct connectivity from Southern India has become a cornerstone of Malaysia’s tourism growth plan. Moreover, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, highlighted the importance of this region, stating, “India has been a key market for Malaysia for over 20 years, and with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), we are targeting 1.6 million Indian travellers. Southern India, with its robust flight connections, is crucial to our growth strategy. The 151 weekly flights and 26,686 seats per week reflect the high demand for travel between Malaysia and the Southern cities of India”

Expanding Malaysia’s Appeal

In addition to strong flight connections, Malaysia is positioning itself as a leading destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), wedding tourism, and leisure travel. Periasamy emphasized that Malaysia’s appeal lies in its world-class infrastructure and beautiful destinations, offering diverse travel experiences for all kinds of tourists.

One sector that is seeing particularly rapid growth is wedding tourism, with an increasing number of Indian couples choosing Malaysia for their dream weddings. Furthermore, this trend highlights Malaysia’s growing popularity among Indian travelers seeking unique experiences.

Hishamuddin Mustafa, the newly appointed Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai, reinforced the strategic importance of South Indian cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kochi. He pointed out that the ease of access provided by 84 weekly flights and 12,395 seats per week makes Malaysia a highly attractive destination for Indian travelers. “Whether it’s for MICE, a dream wedding, or a family vacation, Malaysia has something for everyone,” Mustafa said, underscoring the wide range of experiences the country offers.

In 2024, Malaysia set a new record by welcoming over 1.1 million Indian tourists, marking a significant achievement in its tourism sector. This surge, he noted, reflects the strong relationship between the two countries and the rising demand for travel to Malaysia. Looking ahead, Malaysia aims to attract 1.4 million Indian tourists in 2025 and 1.6 million by 2026, as part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.

Supporting this growth, the visa-free entry policy for Indian travelers, which will remain in effect until 31 December 2026, has simplified travel to Malaysia. As a result, Malaysia has become even more accessible to Indian citizens, further encouraging visits to the country.

Feature image via Travel Weekly Asia