Business EconomyPosted at: Feb 13 2026 6:40PM


Malaysia remains affordable tourism destination for Indians: Tourism Malaysia chief

Bengaluru, Feb 13 (UNI) Addressing concerns over currency fluctuations and the recent appreciation of the Malaysian Ringgit, Tourism Malaysia Chairman Manoharan Periasamy on Friday said the country continues to remain an affordable and value-for-money destination for Indian travellers.
He said currency movements are a natural part of global markets and should be assessed in the context of the overall holiday cost rather than in isolation. While the Ringgit has appreciated against the US dollar in recent months, Malaysia’s total expenditure for travellers — covering accommodation, food, local transport, attractions and shopping — remains competitive compared to several regional destinations.
"When you look at the complete holiday experience, Malaysia still offers strong purchasing power. We provide a wide spectrum of choices, from three-star hotels to premium five-star properties, and from street food to fine dining. This flexibility allows Indian travellers to plan according to their budgets without compromising on quality or experience," Manoharan said replying to an UNI query.
On competition from regional destinations such as Singapore and Indonesia, he described it as healthy and expected, but emphasised Malaysia’s strong cost-to-experience ratio.
"A five-star hotel stay in Kuala Lumpur is often significantly more affordable than a comparable stay in Singapore, while offering similar standards of service and infrastructure," he noted.
"At the same time, Malaysia offers beaches, islands, rainforests, shopping, theme parks and cultural heritage within one country, reducing the need for multi-destination travel," he added.
Periasamy said Tourism Malaysia is working closely with airline partners, hotels and tour operators to cushion the impact of exchange rate volatility through bundled packages, promotional fares and tactical campaigns targeted at the Indian market. Advance booking promotions, early-bird discounts and family-oriented packages are being introduced to lock in attractive pricing.
Highlighting improved connectivity, Periasamy said direct air links from multiple Indian cities have helped reduce travel time and overall costs. "By strengthening partnerships with the Indian travel trade, we aim to ensure competitive pricing structures that remain attractive regardless of short-term currency movements," he added.
Advising Indian travellers, he said planning ahead is crucial. Early bookings for flights and accommodation can secure better rates, while prepaid tour packages help manage currency exposure as major components are priced upfront. With accommodation and dining options available across price segments, travellers can customise their itineraries to suit their spending comfort.
Reaffirming Malaysia’s positioning, Periasamy said the country continues to see itself as a family-friendly and cost-effective international holiday destination. "When families compare the overall holiday cost — including stay, food, shopping and entertainment — Malaysia consistently delivers strong value. Currency fluctuations may occur, but the fundamental affordability and diversity of our tourism offerings remain intact," he said.
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