Malaysia beckons Indians

BHUBANESWAR: Come summer or winter vacations, family or honeymoon trips, holiday trips pop out of the duffel bag in the closet. Although destinations inside the country are usual choices, flying abroad too is no more a distant dream, especially when it comes to experiencing the flavour of the East.
"And Malaysia seems to be one of the most sought after tourist destinations for the Indian travellers," said director of Malaysia tourism Manoharan after inaugurating the India International Travel Exhibition (IITE) recently.
Manoharan added tourists from India have surpassed targets to achieve 5,550,738 Indian arrivals for 2008 recording an overall growth of 30.4% as compared to last year.
"In terms of revenue too, Malaysia earned more than $400 million from Indian tourist arrival in 2008," he said.
Tourism Malaysia has focussed on secondary cities like Bhubaneswar to create awareness about Malaysia as a premier holiday destination. The aim is to tap the growing leisure traffic.
"We find Orissa as a potential source market because the state shares a similar cultural excellence," Manoharan said.
He further said in April, Malaysia will host the Formula-1 during which they will organize the Kuala Lumpur Grand Prix sale.
"A trip to Malaysia will be now cheaper than a decent holiday to any place in our country. And with such affordable packages, trip to exotic locations and shopping at Malaysia will become enticing," chief of Swosti Travels J K Mohanty said.
In fact, Tourism Malaysia and Swosti travels is launching a package Value for Money holiday to Malaysia for Rs 25,000 per person on twin-sharing basis for three nights and four days.
While Tourism Malaysia showed interest in promoting its tourism in our state, director of Orissa Tourism Rabi Narayan Nanda said, "Malaysia should give a platform to our incredibly beautiful state to promote the state as an independent tourist destination.
Nanda added, "Blessed with picturesque hills and valleys, beaches, wildlife, monuments and exquisite handicrafts, Orissa is a mini India."
The international tourism exhibition is a consumer travel fair which has been organised in Bhubaneswar for the first time. Other states like Gujarat, Himacahal Pradesh and Kerela are also camping here to guide travel freaks with information. Travel agents and hotels were also present at the three-day exhibition.
"We conduct such exhibitions in metros. But considering the fact that people from across the country must be guided with the right information, we have begun such shows in secondary cities as well," managing director of IITE Anurag Gupta said.