Tourism Malaysia, MATTA hold first roadshow in Visakha

Visakhapatnam: Tourism Malaysia and Malaysian Association of Tour Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) jointly held their first roadshow here on Monday after launching a special tourism campaign in 2026.

During the roadshow, the officials from Malaysia, who vigorously campaigned 'Malaysia Truly Asia' tagline and the rich cultural connections between India and Malaysia, promised to try for revival of direct flight from Visakhapatnam once inbound and outbound flow of tourists is ensured. At present, Scoot Airlines is offering four day service from the city to 12 cities in Malaysia with a changeover in Singapore as part of an agreement with Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia recorded an estimated 1.5 million tourists in 2025 from India and this year Tourism Malaysia has set a target to increase it to 2.1 million in 2026. AirAsia Malaysia withdrew its direct flight between Visakhapatynam and Kuala Lumpur last year on technical grounds. The demand for reintroduction of direct flights to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok is turning louder as the Bhogapuram International Airport is getting ready to become operational from June, 2026.

The road show in the city brought together around 50 sellers from Malaysia and key travel trader partners from Andhra Pradesh strengthening Malaysia's engagement with one of South India's emerging outbound markets with a population of two million plus.

Under the special campaign launched in the New Year, oil-rich Malaysia has set a target to attract 43 million international tourists in 2026 after identifying the tourism sector as a key growth engine and introducing visa-free travel from India and several other countries. During January-November, 2025, Malaysia saw the arrival of 38.3 ,million tourists from abroad. Leveraging on its rich tourism potential, Tourism Malaysia is focusing on attracting more tourists from tier 2 cities to places beyond Kuala Lumpur and Batu Caves to Langkawi and other popular destinations.

At the roadshow, Datuk Manoharan, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, showcased Malaysia's focus on strengthening trade partnerships and promoting diverse tourism segments. The sales mission highlighted by Malaysia's wide-ranging offerings includes leisure travel, family package, island escapes, shopping, culture, and nature based experience. These segments spotlight the growing demand for MICE and wedding tourism among Indian travellers.

Senior Director of International Promotions (Asia/Pacific) Division NuwaiFadhilah Binti Ku Azmi said they are giving special focus on group industrial tours and student study programmes. "We have decided to offer guidance to students for their studies from Chennai by offering them special packages," she said.

She said Malaysia remains committed to expanding trade engagement across South India by connecting the industry with updated products, new destinations and refreshed offerings, especially as Malaysia builds momentum towards 'Visit Malaysia Year 2026.'

Director of Tourism Malaysia for South India Hishamuddin Mustafa opined that Visakhapatnam represented a promising market for Malaysia as it is playing an increasingly important role in the overall South India strategy.