The 20-member delegation led by MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang and comprising Malaysia inbound tour operators, hotelier and theme park operators, met with local outbound tour operators in the major cities of Trichy, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Malaysian tour operators are hoping to capture more Indian tourists and a delegation from the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) visited South India from October 22 to 27.
The 20-member delegation led by MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang and comprising Malaysia inbound tour operators, hotelier and theme park operators, met with local outbound tour operators in the major cities of Trichy, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Said Tan: “Malaysia received a total of 552,739 visitors from India in 2017. For the first four months of this year, there was a 21.2% increase over the corresponding period last year. Recognised as one of the most important markets to the Malaysia tourism industry due to its strategic geographical location close to Malaysia, it is important for MATTA to extend its promotional efforts with close collaboration between Indian outbound tour operators, Malaysia inbound tour operators and Tourism Malaysia to encourage more tourists from India visiting Malaysia.”
MATTA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with leading Indian travel associations such as Travel Agents Association of India, Travel Agents Federation of India and South Indian Global Tour Operators Association.
It was witnessed by H.E. Dato’ Hidayat Abdul Hamid, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the Republic of India and Noor Azman Samsudin, director of Tourism Malaysia for South India and Sri Lanka.
“The MOU will enhance business operations and services amongst members of both organisations through the respective code of ethics and conduct. Through these corporations, members can develop strategic partnership and promotion of their services to Indian outbound tour operators. Such collaboration will create favourable conditions for the continuous tourism growth for Malaysia and India tourism industry and for members’ interest,” said Tan.
He highlighted some new attractions such as Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, two world-class golf courses, the Genting Highland Skytropolis Amusement Park that will open in December and 20th Century Fox World opening next year that would appeal to families.
For MICE tourists, a conference centre in Johor Bahru was the draw.
MATTA has been active overseas with sales missions to India, China, ASEAN countries and Europe since January.