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Malaysia Boosts Tourism with Strong Links to Southern India

Tourism Malaysia: Key South Indian Cities Driving Growth

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.

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

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Celebrate Easter with Adventure and Creativity at Oaga Art Resort

Oaga Art Resort

Easter in the Maldives takes on a bold new flavor this April, as Oaga Art Resort reimagines the holiday through a lens of art, mystery, and community. From April 15 to 22, 2025, the boutique island resort in North Malé Atoll turns tradition on its head, offering guests an immersive week-long celebration built around creativity, music, and a rather curious island-wide whodunit.

Solve the Mystery of Detective Kuku

At the center of the festivities lies a lighthearted mystery titled “Detective Kuku,” in which guests take on the role of sleuths and unravel the case of the missing Easter eggs. Designed for families and groups alike, the adventure kicks off on April 19 with “The Sundown Brief,” a sunset cocktail gathering where the first clues—and a surprising disappearance—are revealed. From there, the hunt begins in earnest, as guests follow riddles and interact with an eclectic cast of characters, each possibly hiding a piece of the puzzle. The caper concludes in style with “The Debrief,” an Easter pool party where the truth behind the bunny’s vanishing act finally comes to light.

Creative Workshops for All Ages

But there’s far more to this island Easter than playful puzzles. Throughout the week, guests can drop in on daily “Free Flow” sessions at the resort’s Suvasthi Art Studio, where creativity thrives in all its forms. Local artists lead workshops in watercolor painting, while younger guests (and the young at heart) craft bunny ears or design Easter-themed sun-catchers. It’s hands-on, relaxed, and unmistakably Oaga. Moreover, these workshops provide an excellent opportunity for guests to bond and explore their artistic sides.

Dance Your Way Through the Week

For those more inclined to express themselves through movement, the “Roots in Motion – Easter Edition” dance series offers a range of styles—from Tutting and Dancehall to House—tailored to dancers of all levels. Whether you’re just finding your rhythm or already confident on your feet, sessions cater to beginners, intermediates, and advanced participants alike. In addition, the dance sessions provide a fun and energetic way to keep the spirit of the holiday alive.

Evenings Filled with Music and Entertainment

The energy continues into the evening, when the island shifts gears into performance mode. Guests can expect live sets from homegrown acts including Vaguthee Trio, Affan and the King Coconuts, and Sandpaper, alongside solo performers like Naffah and Isse. For example, the “O’Fire Night” and “Breeze & Bass” beach parties promise a lively atmosphere, while the “Starlit Cinema” offers a quieter, more laid-back alternative for those seeking a more relaxed evening. Ultimately, there’s something for everyone when the sun sets.

Families traveling with children find plenty to keep the young ones engaged. The Fiyoh Club rolls out a special Easter-themed program packed with arts and crafts, and kids and teens are welcome to join the 10-day dance program as well, making this a holiday that’s as family-friendly as it is artistically rich. As a result, this event appeals to both young and old, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

A Unique All-Inclusive Experience

All of this unfolds against the backdrop of Oaga Art Resort’s signature “Greatest All-Inclusive” plan, which extends far beyond meals and drinks. Guests enjoy complimentary access to art and music workshops, floating meals, curated excursions, and even motorized watersports. The resort itself, just 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, features 60 intimate villas (beach and overwater), dining experiences that blend creativity with comfort, and a spa deeply rooted in Maldivian healing traditions. In conclusion, Oaga Art Resort offers a fully immersive experience that stretches far beyond the usual resort vacation.

With its combination of interactive storytelling, cultural enrichment, and tropical leisure, Easter Week at Oaga Art Resort isn’t just a holiday—it’s a fully immersive escape. For bookings and more information, visit oagaresorts.com.

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