𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘢 𝘌𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘢 𝘌𝘹𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘴; 𝘈 𝘎𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘢 – 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘈𝘴𝘪𝘢

Chennai, January 10, 2025 – Reinforcing Malaysia's commitment to fostering closer bilateral relations and strengthening people-to-people ties with India, the Malaysian government has announced the extension of the 30-day visa exemption for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. This initiative, part of Malaysia's Visa Liberalisation Plan, is aimed at promoting economic and tourism growth in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

(L to R) Sukmawati Binti Mohd Idris, Attache Immigration; Saravana Kumar Kumaravasagam, Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai; Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director, Tourism Malaysia Chennai

Speaking about the announcement, Mr. Saravana Kumar Kumaravasagam, Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai, described it as a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity between the two nations. “This is a golden opportunity for the people of Tamil Nadu and across India to explore Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities without the hassle of applying for a visa. With Malaysia being a key destination for Indian travellers, this extension reflects our dedication to ensuring seamless travel for all,” said Mr. Saravana Kumar.

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Adding to this, Mr. Hishamuddin Mustafa, the newly appointed Director, Tourism Malaysia Chennai, emphasized the importance of this initiative in bolstering tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations. “This visa exemption not only simplifies travel but also reaffirms Malaysia’s commitment to being a preferred destination for Indian travellers. With strategic partnerships and robust promotional campaigns, we aim to showcase Malaysia’s unparalleled hospitality, diverse attractions, and hidden gems. Together, we can explore innovative pathways to growth and elevate our shared aspirations to greater heights,” he said.

Launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 Logo: As part of the one-on-one media interaction, Tourism Malaysia Chennai is proud to unveil the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) logo, featuring the Malayan Sun Bears – Wira and Manja as mascots. This vibrant and captivating logo embodies Malaysia’s multicultural harmony and awe-inspiring natural beauty, while emphasizing sustainability and conservation.

The VM2026 campaign, officially launched on January 6, 2025, is centred on two core pillars: high-yield and sustainable tourism. Speaking at the launch, Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said: “To achieve this, we have identified three main strategies – increasing tourist arrivals by converting short visits into extended stays, enriching cultural and eco-tourism experiences, empowering local communities, and encouraging higher spending by promoting niche tourism experiences. VM2026 is more than just a campaign; it is a legacy that drives growth, creates jobs, and uplifts communities.”

With Wira and Manja, the logo highlights Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability while capturing the hearts of all generations. The campaign is a call for all Malaysians, including tour guides, business owners, and artists, to share their stories and showcase Malaysia's hospitality to the world.

Celebrating Success and Growth in 2024: The year 2024 marked a significant milestone for Malaysia as we welcomed a record-breaking 1,009,114 Indian tourists between January and November, a remarkable 71.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth was propelled by new flight routes such as Indigo Airlines' direct services from Chennai to Penang, Bangalore to Langkawi, and Bengaluru to Kuala Lumpur, enhancing accessibility for Indian travellers.

Expanding Horizons in 2025: Building on this momentum, Tourism Malaysia Chennai invites Indian travellers to explore unique offerings in 2025, including:

Community-Based Tourism (CBT): Authentic Malaysian experiences through local communities, offering immersive cultural interactions and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

• Destination Weddings: Positioning Malaysia as a premier wedding destination with scenic beaches, luxurious resorts, and world-class hospitality.
• Edu Plus: Highlighting Malaysia’s appeal as an education hub, combining learning with unforgettable travel experiences.
• MICE and Niche Tourism: Catering to high-potential segments such as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), adventure tourism, and wellness retreats.
• Hidden Gems: Promoting lesser-known destinations like Sabah and Sarawak, which promise unique adventures for Indian travellers.

As we gear up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we remain committed to creating tailored travel experiences that cater to the evolving preferences of Indian tourists, ensuring Malaysia remains at the forefront of their travel aspirations. Gratitude and Partnership Tourism Malaysia Chennai extends heartfelt gratitude to its valued travel partners for their unwavering support and invaluable contributions to our shared success. Together, we look forward to achieving new milestones in 2025 and beyond.

For more information about travel opportunities in Malaysia, visit www.malaysia.travel or contact the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) in Chennai.

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