Indian tourists spent $24 million in Malaysia this year

The number of tourists from India to Malaysia continued to grow. Till September this year, there were 315,000 visitors, compared to 270,000 last years.

Indian tourists have spent nearly $24 million (RM 724.7 million) in Malaysia this year.

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The number of tourists from India to Malaysia continued to grow. Till September this year, there were 315,000 visitors, compared to 270,000 last years, a local newspaper Tamil Nesan reported on Saturday.

The increase in tourists was due to "irresistible travel packages and competitive rates," the report said.

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Director for India P Manoharan said his agency has successfully marketed Malaysia as an exciting and affordable tourist destination, which helped to draw more Indians here, mainly in the year-end.

He said the uncompromising hospitality industry and affordable hotel rates; scenic vistas and a friendly cosmopolitan population were the major draws.

Indian destinations become expensive during the holiday season, as more foreign tourists visit the country and non-resident Indians return home for festivals and marriages, he said.

He said it was far more expensive for Indians to go for local holidays at this time, as demands are high. It would cost them 30-40 per cent less to come to Malaysia, he said.