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The Indian traveller is changing how they discover, plan and experience holidays, with experiences, events, digital content and convenience increasingly influencing travel choices. This shift comes as digitalization and Artificial Intelligence reshape tourism, enabling more personalized discovery, planning, booking and payments. As the world marks World Tourism Day 2026 under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” these behaviours reflect how technology is becoming an integral part of the modern travel journey. Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, share insights into key traveller behaviours shaping the Indian travel landscape today. These include a stronger focus on experiences, greater use of digital platforms and payments, more frequent short breaks, and growing international travel from beyond the metros. Choosing the experience, not just the destination Holiday searches increasingly start with what travellers want to experience, rather than simply where they want to go. Wildlife safaris in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, culinary trails in Italy and Japan, cultural immersion in Rajasthan and Vietnam, adventure in New Zealand and Switzerland, and stargazing in Ladakh and Norway are becoming reasons to choose a destination. For premium travellers, this is extending to experiences such as expedition cruises, premium rail journeys, Grand Slam tennis, premium golf and Formula 1, where access and curation are becoming an important part of the experience. This is also visible in spiritual travel, where destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Ujjain and Rishikesh are being explored beyond the pilgrimage itself, with travellers adding heritage, cuisine, architecture, wellness and local experiences to their itineraries. Similarly, destinations such as Bhutan, Japan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are being explored for their distinctive mix of culture, nature, wellness and food. Digital platforms and personalised recommendations are further helping travellers discover destinations and experiences aligned with their individual interests. Planning holidays around moments and short breaks Travel is increasingly being planned around moments rather than only around calendars. Festivals, concerts, sporting events and major cultural occasions are becoming reasons to travel, with travellers building holidays around experiences they do not want to miss. At the same time, the traditional long annual holiday is being complemented by more frequent, shorter breaks. Long weekends, festive holidays and gaps between work commitments are being converted into domestic getaways, road trips and short-haul international holidays, creating a more distributed pattern of travel through the year. Discovering travel through social media, OTT and AI-powered digital journeys The journey is increasingly beginning before a traveller actively starts planning a holiday. A destination seen in an OTT series, movie, social media reel or creator recommendation can spark interest and quickly translate into a travel plan. AI is adding another layer to this discovery journey, helping travellers move from broad inspiration to more relevant destinations, experiences and itineraries based on their individual interests. The result is a travel journey that is becoming increasingly personalized from the point of discovery itself. Going digital with forex and payments Digitization is now extending across the entire travel journey, including how travellers manage and spend their money overseas. Thomas Cook India’s 2026 Forex Report found that 25% of customers transact through digital purchase channels, while 57% of forex-card spends is through contactless and online transactions. The shift reflects a clear preference for greater convenience, flexibility and control, with travellers increasingly comfortable managing forex digitally and using contactless and online payments rather than relying on cash. Payments are therefore becoming an integral part of the seamless travel experience, rather than a separate pre-trip consideration. Taking international travel beyond the metros International travel is no longer a metro-led story. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are emerging as important growth engines for outbound travel, supported by rising disposable incomes, better connectivity and growing global aspirations. Markets such as Lucknow, Indore, Surat, Kochi, Bhubaneswar and Vijayawada are increasingly contributing to the outbound travel landscape. Importantly, travellers from these markets are moving beyond simply taking their first international holiday. They are increasingly seeking distinctive experiences from Northern Lights and Arctic cruises to wildlife safaris and multigenerational holidays while valuing the reassurance of trusted guidance and end-to-end planning. Digital access is further helping bring international travel within easier reach, while stronger air connectivity is reducing the dependence on metros as gateways. Choosing the journey as part of the experience The holiday is increasingly being judged by the quality of the journey as much as the destination itself. Cruises, premium rail journeys, distinctive stays, glamping and wildlife experiences are attracting travellers who want the mode of travel and the stay to be part of the holiday story, rather than simply a means to get somewhere. At the same time, practical factors such as connectivity, visa convenience and ease of access are becoming more influential in destination selection. For the new Indian traveller, the expectation is increasingly for a holiday that is distinctive at the destination and seamless across the journey. Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Indian travellers are becoming more intentional about what they want from a holiday. The focus is moving beyond simply visiting a destination towards experiences that offer discovery, immersion and personal relevance — whether that is exploring a spiritual destination through its heritage and culture, experiencing wildlife and adventure, or choosing a premium cruise or rail journey. At the same time, technology is making it easier to discover and personalize these experiences. The opportunity for the travel industry is to bring together the right experiences with greater simplicity and relevance for each traveller.” Mr. S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, said, “Technology is becoming an increasingly integral part of how Indians discover and experience travel. From social media and OTT-led inspiration to digital payments and AI-enabled recommendations, the travel journey is becoming more connected and personalized. The next phase is about using technology meaningfully — to simplify planning, provide more relevant choices and create a smoother experience across the journey. As

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, announced a partnership with Pine Labs Ltd., a leading global payments technology company, to integrate Agentic Storefront into the L&T Finance PLANET App at the Global Fintech Fest 2026. This collaboration will enable agentic commerce by allowing AI agents to interact and execute transactions securely within a governed framework. The partnership commences with flight ticket bookings as the debut use case, elevating customer interaction beyond conversational chatbots to complete end-to-end, autonomous transaction fulfilment. Commenting on the development, Mr. Manish Kumar Gupta, Chief Executive – Urban Unsecured Assets, Payments & Digital Partnerships, L&T Finance Ltd. said, “Our endeavor at L&T Finance has always been to leverage cutting-edge digital innovations to simplify financial and lifestyle journeys for our customers. Partnering with Pine Labs to introduce an Agentic Storefront on the L&T Finance PLANET App marks a major shift from conversational assistance to true transaction execution. By empowering customers with autonomous AI agents that operate securely within user-defined guardrails, we are building a hyper-personalised, effortless commerce & payments experience. Flight bookings are just the beginning; this architecture will scale to multiple merchant categories in the near future.” Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Chief Technology Officer, Pine Labs Ltd., said, “We are entering a new era where commerce is increasingly driven by intent rather than clicks, searches, and manual decisions. For that shift to scale, trusted AI agents must be able to move from consumer intent to transaction execution securely and autonomously. With P3P and the Grantex protocol, Pine Labs is building the trust infrastructure that enables buyer and seller agents to transact securely and autonomously. Together with L&T Finance, we are enabling a new model of commerce on the L&T Finance PLANET App that combines the intelligence of AI with the trust and accountability consumers expect from financial institutions, helping establish the foundation for agent-to-agent commerce at scale.” Redefining Commerce & Payments with Autonomous AI Agents The Agentic Storefront brings together Buyer-side and Seller-Side AI agents to create a seamless transaction lifecycle: On the buyer side, customers can provide their intent to buyer agents on the L&T Finance PLANET App with defined guardrails. The buyer agent can then discover and purchase a flight on the customer’s behalf, completing the payment journey autonomously within a secure, trusted, and governed framework. On the seller side, the seller agent makes the transaction actionable and resolvable. The seller agent connects to the airline’s underlying systems to access real-time flight availability, fares, and booking information, enabling it to respond to the buyer agent with options that can actually be booked and fulfilled. The payment is completed autonomously by the buyer agent using P3P (Pine Labs Payments Protocol) using the UPI payments functionality within the L&T Finance PLANET App. The experience is enabled by Pine Labs Grantex, the authorisation delegation and compliance layer that supports verifiable identity, spend controls, and auditability.

Ganesh Chaturthi is when India truly comes alive, as streets transform into vibrant pandals, neighbourhoods echo with music and chants, and communities come together in celebration. While Maharashtra remains at the heart of the grand Ganeshotsav tradition, the festival takes on a distinctive character across different parts of the country – from spectacular public celebrations and historic temples to intimate family traditions and pilgrimage journeys. This Ganesh Chaturthi, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel spotlight 10 destinations where travellers can experience the many facets of the festival while discovering the food, heritage, traditions and local character that make each destination special. 1. Mumbai, Maharashtra: Lalbaugcha Raja No Ganesh Chaturthi journey is complete without experiencing Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja and seeking blessings at the revered Siddhivinayak Temple. Established in 1934, Lalbaugcha Raja has become synonymous with Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav, drawing devotees from across the country who come for darshan of the much-revered idol. The atmosphere around Lalbaug during the festival is an experience in itself, with the city’s streets transformed by music, decorations, processions and an unmistakable sense of collective celebration. Travellers can complement the festive experience with a visit to the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, one of Mumbai’s most revered Ganesha temples, making for a meaningful spiritual trail through the city. Together, these experiences offer a glimpse of Mumbai at its most vibrant, where devotion, tradition and the city’s unmistakable energy come together. In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated from 14 September, with the festivities culminating on Anant Chaturdashi on 25 September. Travel experience: Go beyond the pandal to experience Mumbai in full festive spirit – explore its historic lanes and Art Deco streetscapes, follow a local food trail through iconic eateries, browse the bustling markets of South Mumbai, and wind down with sunset views along Marine Drive as the city lights begin to come alive. 2. Pune, Maharashtra: Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Pune offers a more traditional window into Maharashtra’s deep-rooted Ganeshotsav culture, with the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati at its heart. The historic celebration dates back to the late 19th century and the richly decorated idol has become one of the city’s most revered Ganpati icons. During the festival, the surrounding streets take on a celebratory character as devotees gather for darshan and the city’s historic Ganeshotsav traditions come alive. The experience is particularly rewarding for travellers interested in discovering the cultural roots of Maharashtra’s public Ganpati celebrations. Travel experience: Explore Pune’s old city, historic wadas, traditional markets and Maharashtrian cuisine, while visiting some of the city’s historic Ganpati mandals. 3. Hyderabad, Telangana: Khairatabad Ganesh Hyderabad brings spectacle to Ganesh Chaturthi with the legendary Khairatabad Ganesh, known for its towering idols and extraordinary scale. The tradition dates back to 1954 and has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated annual celebrations, attracting lakhs of devotees. The 2026 edition promises to be particularly striking, with the committee announcing a 69-foot Panchamukha Sankatahara Maha Ganapati. The sheer scale of the idol, combined with the energy of the surrounding celebrations, makes this one of India’s most visually spectacular Ganpati experiences. Travel experience: Combine darshan with a journey through Hyderabad’s old city – from Charminar and the historic bazaars to Irani chai, biryani and the city’s celebrated culinary scene. 4. Kanipakam, Andhra Pradesh: Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple For travellers looking for a more spiritual and pilgrimage-led experience, Kanipakam offers a very different way to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. The Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is renowned for its self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha, making it one of Andhra Pradesh’s important Vinayaka pilgrimage destinations. Ganesh Chaturthi coincides with the temple’s annual Brahmotsavam, creating an especially auspicious time to visit. Rituals, processions and temple festivities bring the pilgrimage town alive, offering travellers an opportunity to experience the festival through centuries-old devotional traditions rather than large public pandals. Travel experience: Combine temple darshan with a spiritual circuit covering nearby temples and heritage sites, making it a more immersive pilgrimage getaway. 5. Ganpatipule, Maharashtra: Swayambhu Ganpati by the Konkan Coast Ganpatipule brings together two experiences travellers increasingly seek – spirituality and a scenic getaway. The town is home to the revered Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, where the naturally formed idol is worshipped as a sacred manifestation of Lord Ganesha. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the otherwise tranquil coastal town takes on a festive atmosphere, offering a more intimate alternative to Maharashtra’s large urban celebrations. The setting makes the destination particularly appealing for travellers who want to combine darshan with the beauty of the Konkan coast. Travel experience: Explore Ganpatipule’s beaches, coastal villages and Konkan cuisine, or extend the journey through Ratnagiri for a relaxed spiritual and coastal holiday. 6. Goa: Chovoth In Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi – locally known as Chovoth – takes on a distinctly intimate and community-driven character. Rather than being centred solely around enormous public pandals, the festival is deeply woven into family life, with homes beautifully decorated and generations coming together for rituals, traditional food and celebrations. One of the most distinctive traditions is the matoli, a canopy decorated with seasonal fruits, vegetables and forest produce that is placed above the Ganpati idol. The result is a festival experience that feels deeply connected to Goa’s Konkani heritage and traditional way of life. Travel experience: Go beyond the beaches to explore Goa’s heritage villages, traditional homes, local markets and Konkani cuisine, experiencing a quieter and more cultural side of the destination. 7. Ashtavinayak, Maharashtra: A Journey Across Eight Sacred Ganpati Temples For travellers who want to turn Ganpati darshan into a full-fledged pilgrimage journey, the Ashtavinayak circuit offers one of India’s most distinctive spiritual experiences. The traditional circuit brings together eight revered Ganesha temples across Maharashtra, each associated with a different form and legend of Lord Ganesha. The journey takes travellers through towns and countryside beyond Maharashtra’s major cities, with Morgaon, Siddhatek, Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyadri, Ozar and Ranjangaon forming the traditional eight-temple circuit. Rather than a single festival stop, Ashtavinayak allows travellers to experience the diversity of Maharashtra’s religious traditions and landscapes over a multi-day journey. Travel experience: Make it

Janmashtami is one of India’s most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals. Across the country, temples are adorned with festive decorations, devotional music fills the air and communities come together to mark the birth of Lord Krishna through rituals, traditions and joyous celebrations. For travellers, the festival offers an opportunity to explore destinations closely associated with Krishna’s life and legacy. From the sacred Braj region of Mathura and Vrindavan to the coastal temple town of Dwarka, the distinctive traditions of Udupi and the artistic heritage of Nathdwara, each destination offers a unique window into India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. This Janmashtami, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel spotlight five destinations where travellers can go beyond the celebrations to discover the stories, traditions and living heritage associated with Lord Krishna. Mathura, Uttar Pradesh – Celebrate Janmashtami at Krishna’s Birthplace Few destinations hold as much significance for Krishna devotees as Mathura, revered as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. During Janmashtami, the city takes on a particularly festive and spiritual atmosphere, with temples illuminated, devotional songs echoing through the streets and devotees gathering for midnight celebrations marking Krishna’s birth. At the heart of the celebrations is the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, one of Mathura’s most important pilgrimage sites. The city’s ancient ghats, temples and vibrant Braj culture add further depth to the journey, allowing travellers to discover traditions that have kept Krishna’s story alive for generations. Other Attractions: Take a spiritual walk along the Yamuna and visit Vishram Ghat, explore Mathura’s historic temples and local markets, and savour the city’s famous peda and other traditional Braj delicacies. Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh – Follow Krishna’s Childhood and the Spirit of Bhakti If Mathura is celebrated as Krishna’s birthplace, Vrindavan is where stories of his childhood and association with Radha come alive. The town’s ancient temples, sacred groves and narrow lanes are steeped in tales of Krishna’s playful years, making it one of India’s most evocative destinations for devotees. During Janmashtami, Vrindavan becomes a vibrant centre of celebration, with elaborate temple decorations, devotional singing, special darshan and festivities continuing into the night. The Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Vrindavan and Prem Mandir are among its best-known spiritual landmarks, each offering a distinctive glimpse into Krishna bhakti. Other Attractions: Experience the evening aarti by the Yamuna, explore Vrindavan’s atmospheric lanes, discover traditional Braj cuisine and soak in the devotional music and cultural traditions that define the town. Barsana & Govardhan, Uttar Pradesh – Explore the Sacred Landscapes of Braj No journey through Krishna’s sacred Braj region is complete without a visit to Barsana and Govardhan, two destinations deeply woven into the stories and traditions associated with Krishna. Barsana is traditionally associated with Radha and is known for its distinctive spiritual and cultural heritage. Its temples, winding streets and hilltop landscapes offer travellers a deeper connection to the stories of Radha and Krishna that continue to shape the region’s traditions. Govardhan, meanwhile, is closely associated with the legend of Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Braj. The sacred Govardhan Parikrama remains an important pilgrimage experience, drawing devotees who undertake the traditional circumambulation of the hill. Other Attractions: Visit the Radha Rani Temple in Barsana, explore the region’s temples and local Braj culture, undertake or experience part of the Govardhan Parikrama, and visit Radha Kund and Kusum Sarovar. Dwarka, Gujarat – Discover the Kingdom of Krishna by the Sea On Gujarat’s western coast lies Dwarka, one of India’s most revered Krishna destinations and traditionally regarded as the kingdom established by Lord Krishna. Here, spirituality meets the dramatic landscape of the Arabian Sea, creating a distinctive pilgrimage experience. The magnificent Dwarkadhish Temple is the centrepiece of the city and an important pilgrimage destination, drawing devotees throughout the year. Its imposing architecture, rituals and centuries-old traditions offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of Krishna worship in western India. Other Attractions: Visit Gomti Ghat, explore Bet Dwarka and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, and discover the region’s coastal landscapes and distinctive Gujarati culinary traditions. Udupi, Karnataka – Discover a Distinctive South Indian Krishna Tradition Udupi offers a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of Krishna worship across India. The city’s Sri Krishna Matha is renowned for its distinctive traditions and the iconic deity of Krishna, traditionally viewed by devotees through the Kanakana Kindi. Janmashtami brings the town alive with devotional rituals, music and cultural celebrations, offering travellers an opportunity to discover Krishna bhakti through the distinctive lens of Karnataka’s temple traditions. The experience is complemented by Udupi’s celebrated vegetarian cuisine and the region’s lush coastal landscapes. Other Attractions: Explore the historic temple complex, savour authentic Udupi cuisine, visit Malpe Beach and St. Mary’s Island, or extend the journey through Karnataka’s coastal temple towns. Nathdwara, Rajasthan – Experience Krishna through Art, Music and Devotion Set in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, Nathdwara offers a uniquely artistic expression of Krishna devotion. The town is home to the revered Shrinathji Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped in the form of Shrinathji, and is an important centre of the Pushtimarg tradition. Nathdwara’s appeal extends beyond its temple. The town is renowned for its Pichwai art, an intricate visual tradition depicting Shrinathji and scenes inspired by Krishna’s life. During Janmashtami, temple rituals, devotional music and festive decorations create an atmosphere where faith and Rajasthan’s artistic heritage come together. Other Attractions: Discover traditional Pichwai paintings, explore local artisan workshops and markets, savour Rajasthani cuisine, and combine the pilgrimage with Udaipur’s palaces, lakes and heritage experiences. A Journey into India’s Living Krishna Traditions A trip on the occasion of Janmashtami isn’t a trip from one temple to another. It is a chance to find out how the story of Krishna has influenced India’s culture, art, music, food and traditions through the ages. From Mathura’s sacred link to Krishna’s birth and Vrindavan’s celebration of his childhood and divine love, to Dwarka’s association with his kingdom, Udupi’s distinctive temple traditions and Nathdwara’s artistic expression of devotion, each destination reveals a different chapter of Krishna’s lasting legacy. This Janmashtami, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel invite travellers to go beyond

This Onam, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Resort invites guests to embrace one of Kerala’s most cherished festivals through thoughtfully curated culinary experiences that celebrate heritage, community and the joy of coming together. Whether it’s a lavish festive brunch at Terra or an intimate farm-to-table Chingam Thali, the resort transforms into a destination where authentic flavours, festive traditions and the serenity of Nandi Hills come together to create memorable celebrations. Set amidst lush landscapes of Bengaluru, Mulberry Shades offers the perfect backdrop for slowing down and celebrating the season. Spend the afternoon indulging in authentic Kerala delicacies, stroll through the beautifully landscaped resort, unwind by the pool, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings that make every visit feel like an escape from the city. The Great Onam Feast at Terra Taking centre stage is The Great Onam Feast, an elaborate Sunday brunch on 23rd August, celebrating Kerala’s vibrant culinary traditions through an expansive spread of festive favourites. Guests can savour regional classics including Kerala Fish Curry, Malabar Biryani, Kerala Matta Rice, Pulissery, Kalan and Olan, appams and grills. Traditional sweets such as Palada Payasam, Banana Halwa and Unniyappam complete the feast, alongside refreshing beverages including Sambaram, Watermelon Mint Cooler and Pineapple Ginger Fizz, with sparkling wines available as part of the alcoholic brunch. Adding to the festive atmosphere are a vibrant Onam Pookalam, live music, caricature artist and complimentary access to the resort’s swimming pool, making it an ideal celebration for families and friends looking to embrace the festive spirit while enjoying a leisurely day in nature. Chingam Thali: A Zero-Mile Dining Experience at Terra For those seeking a more intimate and traditional celebration, Terra also presents its Chingam Special Thali as part of the resort’s acclaimed Zero-Mile Cuisine philosophy. Available throughout the auspicious month of Chingam on Fridays and Saturdays from 14th August to 12th September, the specially curated vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis celebrate Kerala’s culinary heritage through locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and time-honoured home-style recipes. Thoughtfully crafted by Chef Udaya, the thali showcases authentic regional dishes including Kozhi Milagu Varuval, Chicken Chettinad, Alleppey Fish Curry, Beans Porial and Murungakai Sambar, offering guests a wholesome meal rooted in the traditions of Kerala while reflecting the resort’s commitment to sustainable, locally inspired dining. Whether guests choose the grandeur of a festive brunch or the authenticity of a thoughtfully curated thali, Mulberry Shades offers a celebration that goes beyond the table. Here, Onam becomes an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, embrace meaningful traditions and experience the warmth of Kerala’s hospitality amidst the calm of Nandi Hills. Event Details Venue: Terra, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Resort Date: Sunday, 23rd August 2026 Time: 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM Pricing: INR 3,000++ per person (Non-Alcoholic) | INR 4,000++ per person (Alcoholic) For reservations, please call: +91 73378 77235.   Event Details – Chingam Special Thali (Zero-Mile Cuisine) Venue: Terra, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Resort Date: Every Friday & Saturday from 14th August to 12th September 2026 Time: 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM (Lunch) Pricing: INR 1,600++ per person (Vegetarian) | INR 1,800++ per person (Non-Vegetarian) For reservations, please call: +91 73378 77235.

Tourism Malaysia India continued to strengthen its presence in the Indian market through its Sales Mission Series 2, held in Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi from 12 to 20 August 2026, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining strong engagement with one of its most important international source markets while navigating the evolving global travel landscape. Tourism Malaysia India Market Growth and Connectivity The sales mission brought together 47 Malaysian tourism stakeholders, comprising tour operators, hoteliers and airline partners, to strengthen trade partnerships, expand business opportunities and reinforce Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers. The programme also served as a platform for business-to-business (B2B) engagements, networking and the development of new travel opportunities between Malaysian and Indian tourism stakeholders. The mission was led by Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia India, and organised in collaboration with Batik Air, reflecting the strong public-private partnership in promoting Malaysia as a premier tourism destination. Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said, “India remains one of Tourism Malaysia’s most important and fastest-growing source markets. While the current geopolitical developments and evolving international travel landscape may influence travel sentiment in certain regions, Tourism Malaysia remains committed to maintaining a strong presence in the market and ensuring Malaysia remains top of mind among Indian travellers. This calls for sustained, targeted and market-driven promotional efforts, supported by close collaboration with our airline partners and the travel trade.” Tourism Malaysia India Market Engagement Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal added, “Through this sales mission, we aim to strengthen business partnerships, generate new commercial opportunities and encourage our industry partners to develop more attractive and competitive travel packages tailored to the Indian market. At the same time, we want to inspire travellers to explore destinations beyond the traditional Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands itineraries.” “Destinations such as Sarawak, Langkawi, Penang, Johor and Sabah offer tremendous potential for the Indian market, featuring diverse experiences ranging from nature, adventure and island holidays to cultural heritage, gastronomy, shopping, family attractions, MICE and destination weddings. Promoting these destinations more extensively will encourage longer stays, higher visitor spending and repeat visitation.” India continues to be one of Malaysia’s key international source markets, supported by an extensive network of more than 190 direct flights weekly, offering a seat capacity of over 37,000 seats per week. This strong air connectivity provides seamless access to Malaysia and continues to support sustained growth in visitor arrivals. The market also continues to record encouraging performance. Following the introduction of visa-free travel for Indian nationals in December 2023, Malaysia welcomed more than 1.5 million visitor arrivals from India in 2025, placing India among Malaysia’s top five international source markets, alongside Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and China. This positive momentum is expected to continue through 2026 and beyond. With the Visit Malaysia campaign extended through 2027, Tourism Malaysia India will further intensify its promotional initiatives in India to sustain the momentum generated under Visit Malaysia 2026 while building a stronger pipeline of visitors for the extended campaign period. Tourism Malaysia India will continue to support stronger destination visibility and engagement with the Indian travel market. The extension provides greater opportunities to deepen industry collaboration, maintain Malaysia’s destination visibility and strengthen market confidence amid an evolving global tourism environment.