“This magnificent country has always been an important market for Malaysia. It has consistently been one of the top 10 tourist generating markets to the country, and has continuously made significant contributions to our tourist arrivals and tourist receipts,” said Dato Seri Mohamed Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism and Culture at the launch of Malaysia Year of Festivals (MYFest) 2015 in Mumbai.
Tourism Malaysia has launched MYFest 2015 with the theme ‘Endless Celebrations’ to showcase and celebrate the country’s bountiful and diverse cultures and festivities as a tourist attraction. With the Proboscis Monkey as the mascot, the MyFest 2015 campaign will continue to boost the tourism sector.
Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, Dato Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz was in Mumbai last week to raise awareness about the attractions of MYFest 2015. He was accompanied by the Malaysian Sales Mission delegation, officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, State representatives and members of the travel trade fraternity. While the primary objective of the visitis to strengthen Malaysia’s standing as a dream travel destination and increase tourist arrivals from India, the minister is also looking forward to driving strong support from both the Indian media, travel trade and airlines fraternity for the ongoing MYFest 2015.
Until October 2014, Malaysia has registered 6,43,335 Indian tourists, which is a 20.7%, increase for the same period last year (5,32,964). With the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) predicting India to be the third fastest generator of travel and tourism demand from 2010 - 2019 with an annualised growth of 8.2%, promotions to the Indian tourists is high on the agenda said the visiting minister.
In MYFest 2015, the year-long calendar is packed with festivities of every genre; for instance cultural festivals, shopping extravaganzas, international acclaimed events, eco-tourism events, arts, music showcases, food promotion and other themed events. With 165 direct flights from various destinations in India per week, travel to Malaysia has become very convenient and the Malaysian delegation is expecting to welcome close to 800,000 Indian guests this year.
Malaysia’s tourism sector contributed significantly to its economy in 2014. While tourist arrivals grew by 9.6% to 22.8 mn compared to 20.8 mn or the same period in 2013. MYFest 2015 is expected to see around 29.4 mn tourists visiting the country and generating receipts up to RM89 billion. From Delhi, the Sales Mission will move to Chennai and will conclude in Hyderabad.