Tourism Malaysia rates Indians as biggest spenders

Satyajit Pradhan exceeded his credit card limit recently during a family holiday in Malaysia.

Satyajit Pradhan exceeded his credit card limit recently during a family holiday in Malaysia.

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The Kalyan-based general physician rates it amongst one of his most expensive

holidays.

That explains why Tourism Malaysia, rates Indians as the biggest spenders. “Indian traveller spend $800 (approx Rs 36,500) per trip on an average, about $200 (approx Rs 9,000) more than tourists from other countries,” said Mirza Mohd Taiyab, director general, Tourism Malaysia who was in the city on Friday.

A majority of Indian travellers visit the destination with their families closely followed by people going on incentive tours and transit visitors.

To lure more vacationers the tourism board launched discounted holiday packages in January and recorded a 15 per cent growth in business.

The campaign that ends this month was aimed at attracting travellers over the long weekends.

For instance, many visited the postcard destination during the Republic Day weekend this year. A similar weekend is coming up in the first week of April when schools shut in the city.

“We have roped in low-cost carriers, budget hotels and local travel agents for the campaign,” added Taiyab.

Tourists visiting the country during the discounted period have also got shopping vouchers and discounted tickets for local sight seeing.