INVC NEWS
New Delhi : The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Malaysia represents a significant step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries, particularly in the tourism sector. The MoU, signed on August 20, 2024, by Shri Ganjendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism and Culture of India, and Mr. Y B Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, outlines several key objectives aimed at enhancing cooperation and growth in tourism.
Key Objectives of the MoU:
- Promotion and Marketing:
- Collaborate on the promotion and marketing of tourism products and services to increase visibility and attract tourists.
- Tourism Research, Training, and Development:
- Expand efforts in tourism research and development.
- Facilitate exchange programs to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Investment in Tourism Infrastructure:
- Encourage investment in tourism infrastructure, including facilities, products, and services.
- Medical Tourism:
- Exchange information and promote medical tourism, encouraging stakeholders to develop and market medical tourism products.
- Business Tourism (MICE):
- Focus on business tourism, including meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), to attract business travelers.
- Cooperation Among Tourism Stakeholders:
- Foster cooperation among tourism stakeholders, including tour operators and travel agents, to enhance industry collaboration.
- Community-Based and Eco-Tourism:
- Promote community-based tourism, eco-tourism, and responsible tourism practices to ensure sustainable tourism development.
Impact and Future Prospects:
Malaysia has been a significant source of tourists for India, with over 250,000 Malaysian tourists visiting India in 2022. The MoU is expected to boost this number further by enhancing marketing efforts, improving tourism infrastructure, and promoting diverse tourism sectors. The focus on medical tourism, MICE, and eco-tourism also aims to attract a broader range of visitors and support sustainable tourism development.
Overall, this MoU is anticipated to strengthen the tourism ties between India and Malaysia, fostering a deeper cultural and economic exchange and contributing to the growth of the tourism industry in both countries.
