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Malaysia Achieves Groundbreaking Tourism Success in 2024 Attracting Over 1 Million Indian Tourists

Malaysia achieves a tourism milestone in 2024, welcoming over 1 million Indian visitors with record growth fueled by visa-free entry, new flights, and bold strategies. Malaysia has successfully surpassed its target by welcoming 1,009,114 Indian tourists between January and November 2024, achieving an impressive 47% growth compared to pre-pandemic numbers in 2019. This surge also reflects a remarkable 71.7% increase from 2023, solidifying Malaysia’s reputation as a leading destination for Indian travelers. Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, credited the free visa entry policy introduced in December 2023 as a key driver of this growth. He remarked, “The introduction of free visa entry in December 2023 has significantly boosted Indian tourist arrivals to Malaysia.” The policy, coupled with the introduction of direct flights by IndiGo Airlines to Penang and Langkawi, has further positioned Malaysia as a top choice for travelers, especially in anticipation of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Tourism Malaysia has also partnered with tour operators and online travel agencies (OTAs) to promote the country’s diverse cultural and natural attractions. These collaborations, along with strategic marketing campaigns and digital advertising, have played a crucial role in attracting Indian tourists. Beyond leisure tourism, Malaysia’s designation as the Best meeting industry Destination 2024 has bolstered its appeal for business travelers. The integration of business and leisure tourism has not only enhanced Malaysia’s offerings but also contributed to its growing economy, reaffirming its position as a premier hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions.

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Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport is the first in India to connect 150 global destinations.

In a historic achievement, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has become the first in India to connect to 150 destinations globally. This major achievement was marked by the launch of Thai AirAsia X's direct flights between Delhi and Bangkok-Don Mueang (DMK) on Sunday. As of now, the flight will be operating twice a week with Airbus A330 aircraft. However, by mid-January 2025, the flights are expected to increase to four times a week. The airport in Delhi has been serving as a major air hub in India connecting the country with global destinations. It has long been an important player in the Indian aviation sector and connects 88% of India's long-haul destinations. It is the starting point for over 56% of the country’s weekly long-haul flights. This dominance in international travel is reflected in the fact that 42% of all long-haul visitors from India depart from Delhi. Moreover, the airport handles more than 4 million domestic passengers every year, offering easy connections to myriad international destinations. In recent years, Delhi Airport has expanded its network, and has added over 20 international destinations. The new destinations include prime cities like Calgary, Montreal, Phnom Penh, Washington, Dulles, and Tokyo Haneda. This expansion has been fueled by the introduction of wide-body aircraft by Indian carriers, transforming Delhi into a major "super-connector" hub.

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Indian arrivals in Thailand top 2 million as airlines expand connectivity

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrated the milestone in Bangkok on Monday. Famed for its beaches and temples, the Southeast Asian nation has always been an attraction for tourists around the world. India is the third-largest source market for the country after China and Malaysia. In 2019, Thailand had welcomed 1.9 million Indian visitors, and by 2023, Indian arrivals reached 1.6 million, which was 83 per cent of the pre-Covid arrivals. “Through bespoke campaigns and improved connectivity, we aim to position Thailand as the destination of choice for Indian travellers,” said TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaiboo. While tour operators are curating new experiences, an expanded air services agreement has enabled airlines from both countries to increase flights. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, the number of flights scheduled between India and Thailand increased by 26 per cent in 2024. For the month of December, the increase is nearly 42 per cent, as airlines are operating nearly a hundred flights a day (arrivals plus departures). While IndiGo is now the largest airline between the two countries by number of flights, Thai carriers are expanding too. On Monday, Thai AirAsia X began its twice-weekly flights between Bangkok and Delhi. The flight will offer easy connections to other destinations in the region, and its frequency will increase to four from January 15. From next Monday, VietJet Air Thailand will start a daily service between Bangkok and Mumbai. “India is a large market with consistent demand. It was the first outbound travel market to recover after the Covid-19 pandemic. Expanding to India is the natural step for us,” said the airline’s commercial head, Pinyot Pibulsonggram.

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China: Visa-free transit stays extended to 10 days to boost tourism

In a move to boost tourism, China has announced a significant expansion of its visa-free transit policy. As per the latest development, the latest transit program will allow eligible travellers to extend their permitted stay to 240 hours, or 10 days, up from the previous 72-144 hours. Under the revised policy, travellers from 54 countries, such as Russia, Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, can transit through China without a visa when heading to a third destination. The program is available at 60 ports across 24 provinces, as long as visitors stay within designated regions. For example, those arriving in Shanghai are permitted to explore the extended Shanghai area, which includes Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. However, Tibet still requires additional permits for foreign visitors. This policy adjustment aligns with China’s broader strategy to boost inbound tourism following its border reopening in 2023 after three years of strict COVID-19 measures. Recent data indicates that foreign visitor arrivals to China have significantly increased. The visa-free transit program, which witnessed a 78.6% growth in its own right, permitted more than half of the 8.2 million international visitors reported in the third quarter of 2024, a 48.8% year-over-year increase. Reportedly, as of December 1, Shenzhen residents are now eligible to apply for multiple-entry visas to Hong Kong. This overturns earlier limitations that only allowed for one excursion every week. The revised regulation reinstates a mechanism that allowed for unlimited visits and was first put into place in 2009. As per the reports, protests over parallel trading, in which mainland consumers bought items in Hong Kong to resell for a profit, prompted the limitations. Officials anticipate that the policy's reinstatement will boost travel and business between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

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Gwalior-Agra Expressway to cut travel time and boost connectivity

In a recent update, the Gwalior-Agra Greenfield Expressway is all set to change the world of travel and boost connectivity between Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh and Agra in Uttar Pradesh. This 88.4 km expressway will increase connectivity between three prime states, namely Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Not only this, the expressway will also reduce travel time between Agra and Gwalior from 2-3 hours to just one hour! As per report, the upcoming expressway will link Deori Village on Agra's Inner Ring Road to Susera Village on the Gwalior Bypass. The six-laned road will go through Bhind and Morena. The access-controlled highway will allow vehicles to travel at speeds up to 100 km/h. The project will use 502 hectares of land at an estimated cost of INR 2,497.84 crore. The design of the highway includes 47 culverts, four small bridges, and five major bridges. The expressway will pass through 14 villages in Agra, 30 in Dholpur, and several areas in Morena, eventually linking with the Gwalior Expressway at Surera Village.

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Shimla’s historic 104-year old ice skating rink opens for the season

Great news for winter lovers! The iconic 104-year old ice skating rink is now open for the season in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. A historic landmark and an important part of winter tourism in the state for over a century, the rink was built in 1920. It is counted among Asia’s oldest ice rinks. Its open-air design has made it a popular spot for ice skating, attracting visitors of all ages every winter. The Shimla Ice Skating Rink is set in the heart of the picturesque hill station, is not just a place for skating but also a testament to the rich colonial-era heritage of the region. Over the years, it has become a symbol of Shimla’s cultural and historical significance, with its continued operation adding to the town's charm. Skating enthusiasts and tourists eagerly await the rink’s opening each year, making it a significant part of the town’s winter appeal. Despite its historical importance, the rink faces numerous challenges that threaten its long-term viability. One of the major issues is the outdated infrastructure, which has not kept pace with the growing number of visitors. While the rink holds immense sentimental value for many, the lack of modern facilities and amenities often detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, the rink has struggled with inadequate government support, which has hampered efforts to upgrade and maintain its facilities. These challenges have led to concerns about the future of this beloved venue. The rink’s management and the local community continue to call for greater attention and investment to preserve this heritage site. The hope is that with proper support, the Shimla Ice Skating Rink can be revitalized and maintained as a key part of the town’s tourism infrastructure, offering an enhanced experience for generations to come.

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