EXCLUSIVE! AirAsia has helped in promoting tourists, says Malaysia Tourism

Neelam Mathews

Sept 8, 2011

AirAsia has played a significant role in increasing tourists to Malaysia, especially from satellite cities of Trichi, Kochi and also Kolkata,” Malaysia Tourism Director, India  Manoharan Periasamy told Aerospace Diary.

More than 30% of Indian visitors arrive in Malaysia by AirAsia,” said Manoharan.

The tourism body that received 45,000 Indian visitors in 2000,received 690,000 visitors last year. The plan for this year is to increase Indian visitor numbers to 710,000.

With air seat capacity between the two countries limited, Manoharan said with Indians looking at doing two Asian destinations on one trip, it was likely they would come to Malaysia either via Singapore or Thailand- the two popular destinations for the Indian market.

Malaysia, like Turkey had introduced visas on arrival for Indians, but due “to misuse,” the facility had to be withdrawn. “We continue to offer one-year multi-entry visa,” says Manoharan.

Director General Azizan Noordin said Malaysia had numerous events planned for this year and 2012 to attract the meetings and business segments.