KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) had signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with three national travel associations from India to boost tourism between Malaysia and India, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020).
The MoUs were signed with Travel Agents Association of India, Travel Agents Federation of India and Outbound Tour Operators Association of India.
MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the MoUs were a winning collaboration for the four parties and Malaysia was ready to welcome foreign tourists, including from India for VM2020.
“MATTA will be introducing fresh itineraries and attractive tour packages to encourage more tourists from India to visit Malaysia. India has traditionally been contributing to the tourism industry,” said Tan.
He said tourist arrivals from India had increased from 552,739 in 2017 to 600,311 in 2018. He added that 750,000 Indian tourists were expected for last year, an increase of 23.2 per cent.
“The target was achievable as the government had extended the Electronic Travel Registration and Information system, exempting tourists from India and China from applying for a visa for a visit of up to 15 days,” said Tan.