Malaysia has achieved a significant tourism milestone, with 1 million Indian tourists visiting the country as of November 2024. This represents a remarkable 71% year-on-year growth and a 47% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The surge in visitors is largely attributed to the country’s visa-free policy for Indian passport holders, which was introduced in December 2023, alongside the launch of new direct flights.
Tiong King Sing, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, credited the policy change and the new flight routes for the increase, noting that the country’s appeal as a prime destination for Indian tourists is growing. He also highlighted Malaysia’s recognition as the “Most Loved Country in Asia” in a 2024 survey by the American finance website Insider Monkey.
Malaysia is one of only two Southeast Asian nations, alongside Thailand, to offer visa exemptions for Indian nationals. This initiative has been further boosted by India’s Indigo Airlines, which now operates daily flights connecting Bengaluru with Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi.
As of October 2024, Malaysia has welcomed over 20 million international tourists, underlining its status as a key travel hub in the region.
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