India Drives Tourism Malaysia’s Bold Strategy to Attract Two Million Visitors in 2026 with Strengthened Engagement and Successful Sales Mission in Bengaluru

India continues to play a pivotal role in Tourism Malaysia’s bold strategy to attract two million visitors in 2026, with the recent successful conclusion of the Sales Mission in Bengaluru serving as a key milestone. By fostering stronger relationships with Indian travel trade partners and showcasing Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings, the event has highlighted the growing demand for leisure, MICE, and wedding tourism among Indian travellers. The strategic focus on South India, coupled with robust air connectivity, has bolstered Malaysia’s accessibility, positioning the country as a top destination for Indian tourists in the coming years. With enhanced engagement and an ambitious target set for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, India remains central to Malaysia’s growth trajectory in the tourism sector.

Tourism Malaysia Wraps Up Successful Sales Mission 2026 in Bengaluru, Targeting 2.1 Million Indian Visitors This Year

Tourism Malaysia has successfully concluded its Sales Mission 2026 in Bengaluru, reaffirming its commitment to the Indian outbound travel market and setting an ambitious target of 2.1 million tourist arrivals from India for the year. The event, which took place at the Shangri-La Bengaluru on Friday, marked a significant milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with one of South India’s most influential outbound travel hubs.

Growing Engagement with India’s Outbound Market

The Sales Mission was organised in partnership with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and brought together 49 Malaysian sellers, key travel trade partners, and industry leaders from Bengaluru and across Karnataka. The event highlighted the increasing importance of India as one of Malaysia’s top source markets. With a focus on trade partnerships and engagement, the event served as a platform for showcasing Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings and building stronger connections with the Indian travel trade.

A Significant Leap in Tourism Numbers

In 2025, Malaysia recorded 1,565,194 tourist arrivals from India, marking a 14.6% growth from the 1,365,387 visitors in 2024. This surge in arrivals underscores the growing appetite for Malaysian holidays among Indian travellers. As part of its strategic plans for the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), Tourism Malaysia is targeting a significant increase, with a goal of 2.1 million Indian visitors in 2026. This ambitious target was communicated at the Bengaluru event, further solidifying Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening its tourism sector and attracting more visitors from India.

Enhanced Connectivity and Accessibility

One of the key factors contributing to Malaysia’s tourism growth is the robust air connectivity between the two countries. At present, 238 weekly direct flights operate between 14 Indian cities and Malaysia, offering 47,399 seats. This extensive network plays a crucial role in facilitating easier access for Indian travellers. Of these flights, 151 weekly direct services with 29,541 seats are focused on South India, significantly enhancing travel convenience for visitors from the region.

Countries Involved in the Expansion:

• India: India remains a critical source of tourists for Malaysia, driving growth in visitor numbers with each passing year.
• Malaysia: With its strategic goal of 2.1 million tourist arrivals from India, Malaysia continues to offer a wealth of experiences for Indian travellers, from leisure and cultural tourism to business and MICE events.

Showcasing Malaysia’s Diverse Tourism Offerings

The event in Bengaluru was led by Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, and Mdm Nuwal Fadhilah binti Ku Azmi, Senior Director of the International Promotions (Asia/Africa) Division. Their leadership underscored Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to deepening its presence in India, particularly in the southern region. The mission highlighted Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings, which include:

• Leisure travel: Destinations ranging from vibrant cities to peaceful beaches.
• Family holidays: Tailored packages for family-centric experiences.
• Island escapes: Promoting Malaysia’s famous islands like Langkawi and Penang.
• Shopping and culture: Malaysia’s thriving shopping districts and rich cultural experiences.
• Nature-based experiences: Showcasing Malaysia’s tropical rainforests and wildlife.
• MICE tourism: Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.
• Wedding tourism: A growing segment that appeals to couples looking for exotic wedding destinations.

Strengthening Business Relationships and Expanding Product Offerings

Mdm Nuwal Fadhilah emphasized the importance of business engagement platforms like the Sales Mission in fostering stronger connections between Malaysian sellers and Indian travel trade partners. Bengaluru, being one of India’s largest outbound travel hubs, was a fitting location for this key event. Tourism Malaysia’s effort to introduce updated tourism products, new destinations, and refreshed experiences ahead of VMY2026 was well-received by Indian travel professionals, who showed great interest in the various offerings on display.

Batik Air’s Role in Strengthening Connectivity

The Sales Mission 2026 was supported by Batik Air, which served as the Official Airline Partner for the event. Batik Air’s involvement underscores the role of air connectivity in facilitating seamless travel between India and Malaysia. With increasing flight options, Batik Air is expected to further enhance connectivity, making it easier for Indian travellers to explore the rich offerings that Malaysia has in store.

India is central to Tourism Malaysia’s goal of attracting two million visitors in 2026, with the successful Bengaluru Sales Mission strengthening ties and showcasing diverse tourism offerings. Enhanced air connectivity and strategic engagement highlight Malaysia as a top destination for Indian travellers.

Looking Ahead to VMY2026

As Malaysia continues to build on its success in attracting Indian tourists, the Sales Mission 2026 in Bengaluru is seen as a key milestone in Malaysia’s tourism strategy. The ambitious target of 2.1 million visitors from India in 2026 is a significant challenge, but one that Tourism Malaysia is prepared to tackle with enhanced travel options, refreshed tourism products, and a continued focus on strengthening bilateral relationships with India’s travel industry.

With the increased accessibility and diverse tourism experiences, Malaysia is well on its way to achieving its targets for VMY2026, making it a prime destination for Indian travellers in the years to come.

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Malaysia Airports Launches ShopLAH: A New Era of Airport Retail for Visit Malaysia 2026

When you step off a plane at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, you’re not just entering a transit hub; you’re stepping into the first chapter of a Malaysian adventure. Traditionally, airports have been seen as functional gateways—places of quick coffee and frantic gate-checking. But in 2026, Malaysia Airports is rewriting that narrative to ensure the journey is just as memorable as the destination.

To coincide with the massive Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) initiative, Malaysia Airports has launched ShopLAH, a vibrant, tourism-focused shopping campaign designed to turn transit time into “discovery time.” By blending high-end retail with deep-rooted cultural storytelling, the airport operator is ensuring that every visitor’s first and last impression of the country is as colorful as a piece of hand-dyed batik.

The ShopLAH Strategy: Shopping with a Soul

The “ShopLAH” campaign (the “LAH” being a nod to Malaysia’s famous colloquial suffix that signifies warmth and local flavor) is built on a simple but powerful philosophy: modern travelers want more than just products; they want experiences. The campaign integrates shopping, dining, and cultural heritage to support the national goal of driving tourism spending and showcasing the best of Malaysia.

“The campaign enhances the passenger travel experience while strengthening our commercial ecosystem through close collaboration with local brands and the creative community,” says Malaysia Airports Managing Director Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani. Under his leadership, the airport has evolved into a “sense of place” destination. Instead of generic global brands dominating the concourse, travelers are now greeted by a curated selection of homegrown heroes like Oriental Kopi, Kapten Batik, Serai, and Jibby Chow.

Driving the Economy: From Coconuts to Confectionery

The numbers suggest that travelers are more than happy to open their wallets for a piece of authentic Malaysia. In 2025, Malaysia Airports saw a staggering 28.8% year-on-year increase in sales transactions, reaching approximately 44 million transactions across its network as passenger traffic soared to 104.5 million.

Key growth areas highlighted by the campaign include:

• Gifts & Souvenirs: This category exploded with 42% growth, proving that travelers are looking for meaningful keepsakes over mass-produced trinkets.
• Food & Beverage: A 19% rise, driven by the popularity of local culinary icons.
• Malaysian Chocolate: In a surprising shift, local brands now account for 33% of the total confectionery category, challenging the long-standing dominance of international chocolate giants.

Digital Innovation: The Tourist Privilege Card

To keep the momentum going through the 2026 holiday season and beyond, Malaysia Airports is leaning heavily into technology. Integrated directly into the MYAirports App, the new digital Tourist Privilege Card offers international visitors instant discounts, shopping privileges, and exclusive rewards at select retail and food outlets.

This isn’t just a digital coupon book; it’s a strategy to make the airport feel more welcoming. By rewarding international guests for exploring local brands, the airport bridges the gap between a high-tech transit facility and a warm Malaysian welcome.

Art in the Aisles: The Signature Keepsake

One of the most human elements of the ShopLAH campaign is its collaboration with the local creative community. Travelers can now take home a piece of functional art: limited-edition foldable souvenir bags.

These aren’t your standard plastic carriers. Malaysia Airports partnered with acclaimed local artists—Hsieying, Kideika, Daisy Dalia, and Afi Sulaiman—to design sustainable, reusable bags. Each design reflects a different facet of Malaysia, from its vibrant urban lifestyle and heritage architecture to its world-famous local cuisine. It’s a move that aligns perfectly with the global trend toward sustainable travel while giving local artists a global stage.

Why It Matters for the Traveler

By shifting the focus from “passenger” to “guest,” Malaysia Airports is reducing the stress of travel. Interactive installations and authentic dining spots transform the terminal from a sterile corridor into a vibrant cultural marketplace.

Whether you’re grabbing a last-minute batik shirt from Kapten Batik or savoring a final cup of Malaysian white coffee at Oriental Kopi before your flight, the ShopLAH campaign ensures that your journey doesn’t end at the boarding gate—it lives on in the bag you carry and the flavors you remember.

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