On 10 April in Ahmedabad and 12 April in Surat, these events aimed to connect Indian travellers with the diverse attractions and experiences Malaysia has to offer. Following the previous 'networking dinners' in Chandigarh on 27 March, Jalandhar on 29 March, Amritsar on 30 March and Rajkot on 8 April, similar events are also planned for May 2024 in Kollam, Thiruvalla and Kottayam.
“We are excited to collaborate with Tourism Malaysia in promoting Malaysia as a top summer destination for Indian travellers," said Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group. He added, “With its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture tapestry and warm hospitality, Malaysia offers an unforgettable experience for adventurers, relaxation seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. Through these networking events, our goal is to ignite the curiosity of Indian travellers, inviting them to embark on a journey to Malaysia and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.”
A highlight of the networking events is Malaysia Airlines' exclusive offering of a complimentary bonus side trip to passengers with stopovers in Malaysia. Passengers flying with Malaysia Airlines and having a stopover in Malaysia can take advantage of this offer to book a free side trip to one of seven captivating destinations, including Alor Setar, Langkawi, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan and Penang. Under this offer, the airline covers the cost of the flight, leaving travellers responsible only for their accommodation and other activities.
In addition, the Malaysian government has announced visa-free travel for Indian passport holders, effective from 1 December 2023, until 31 December 2024.
“We are delighted to partner with Malaysia Airlines to showcase Malaysia's diverse attractions and unique experiences to Indian travellers," said Noriah Jaafar, Director, Tourism Malaysia - Mumbai. "With visa-free travel, attractive travel packages and the opportunity for a complimentary side trip, Malaysia offers incredible value and convenience for Indian travellers looking for their next holiday destination. We look forward to welcoming Indian travellers to experience the beauty and warmth of Malaysia this summer.”
“The earlier networking events held in Chandigarh, Jalandhar and Amritsar have been incredibly fruitful and successful," said Muhammad Akmal Hafiz Abdul Aziz, Acting Director, Tourism Malaysia - New Delhi. "We received overwhelming participation from travel agents who showed great enthusiasm in promoting Malaysia as a preferred travel destination. The events provided an excellent platform for networking, collaboration and sharing insights. We are confident that the upcoming events will further strengthen our partnerships and drive tourism growth from India to Malaysia.”
Additionally, Malaysia Airlines and Tourism Malaysia have recently participated in mall activation events in Trivandrum and are gearing up for participation in Amritsar in April and Ahmedabad in May.
The networking events will feature presentations, interactive sessions and networking opportunities, providing travel agents with valuable insights, a platform for idea exchange and the chance to establish partnerships to effectively promote Malaysia tourism packages to their clients.