India and Malaysia Strengthen Tourism Ties with New MoU

The agreement also highlights the promotion and development of community-based tourism, eco-tourism, and responsible tourism, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices in the industry.

India and Malaysia have taken a significant step towards deepening their political, economic, and socio-cultural relations by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on tourism cooperation. The agreement was signed on August 20, 2024, by India's Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri Ganjendra Singh Shekhawat, and Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Y B Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

This MoU aims to further enhance the already strong ties between the two nations by focusing on several key areas within the tourism sector. The primary objectives include the promotion and marketing of tourism products and services in both countries, the expansion of research, training, and development in the tourism field, and the encouragement of investment in tourism infrastructure, facilities, products, and services.

A key focus of the agreement is to promote medical tourism, with both countries committed to exchanging information and encouraging stakeholders to market this sector. Additionally, the MoU emphasizes the importance of business tourism, covering meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), and aims to foster cooperation among tourism stakeholders, including tour operators and travel agents.

The agreement also highlights the promotion and development of community-based tourism, eco-tourism, and responsible tourism, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices in the industry.

Malaysia is a significant source of inbound tourism for India, with over 250,000 Malaysian tourists visiting India in 2022. The new MoU is expected to further boost tourist arrivals from Malaysia, contributing to the growth of both nations' tourism sectors.

This MoU not only underscores the close ties between India and Malaysia but also sets the stage for future collaboration that will benefit both countries' economies and cultural exchanges.