Tourism Malaysia announced its strategic initiative to collaborate with international airlines and tourism agencies in an effort to enhance air connectivity to Malaysia. This initiative comes as part of a broader goal to achieve 27.3 million tourist arrivals this year.
The announcement was made during the Networking Evening of Routes Asia 2024, held at Resorts World Langkawi, where Tourism Malaysia showcased the best of Malaysian gastronomy and culture to delegates from over 60 countries. With Malaysia hosting the 20th edition of Routes Asia, Langkawi has become the temporary home for over 800 delegates from February 27th to 29th, 2024.
In collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Tourism Malaysia is co-hosting the three-day event, which brings together Asia Pacific’s leading airlines, airports, and industry players. Routes Asia 2024 is not only a significant event for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment but also sets a precedent for Malaysia’s upcoming tourism endeavors.
As Malaysia prepares to host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year in 2026, Tourism Malaysia aims to stimulate a surge in tourist arrivals in the coming years. To achieve this goal, Tourism Malaysia has introduced a matching grant initiative aimed at stimulating the expansion of new direct and charter routes to Malaysia.
Tourism Malaysia, Director General, Mr. Manoharan Periasamy, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with international airlines and tourism agencies to improve air accessibility, frequency, and seat capacity to Malaysia via the International and Charter Flight Matching Grant (GSPC).
In 2023, Malaysia recorded a total of 20.1 million international tourist arrivals, generating RM71.3 billion in tourist receipts. This year, with the ambitious target of 27.3 million arrivals, Malaysia aims to achieve RM102.7 billion in tourism revenue.
The initiative underscores Tourism Malaysia’s commitment to fostering growth in the tourism sector and positioning Malaysia as a premier tourist destination on the global stage.
