Following its recent success at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, Tourism Malaysia conducted a sales roadshow from the 12 – 15 May in Muscat. Led by Mr. Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, the 21-strong delegation made of representatives from various sectors of Malaysia’s tourism industry met to strengthen travel ties between Oman, Qatar, and Malaysia. 

Welcoming more than 18,000 visitors from Qatar and 2,464 of travellers from Oman to Malaysia in 2023, these figures have yet to return to their pre-pandemic levels of more than 23,000 and 4,000 respectively. During the three-day roadshow, B2B meetings and networking dinners were facilitated to foster partnerships and knowledge exchange between Malaysian and Middle Eastern trade partners. 

The delegation emphasised Malaysia’s diverse travel opportunities, particularly highlighting the allure of Kuala Lumpur and other popular cities, the benefit of direct flights to Kuala Lumpur offered by Qatar Airways, Oman Air, and Salam Air.

Mr Manoharan stated, “West Asian travellers have consistently ranked the top five international spenders in Malaysia, boasting a high per capita expenditure and longer average stays. As we witness a resurgence of West Asian tourists to Malaysia, this sales mission presents a strategic opportunity to amplify our promotional efforts in Oman and Qatar.”