In an effort to restore its tourism figures, Tourism Malaysia has launched a number of promotions to tap the potential Indian market. Commenting on the launch of the packages P Manoharan, director, Tourism Malaysia said, "These packages are the beginning to a host of other marketing initiatives that the board would undertake to revive the traffic back to Malaysia. The cooperation shown by the private trade and hospitality bodies in Malaysia has given us an opportunity to pass the benefit to travellers, which reflects from the choice of hotels and various options in the package. It also provides an opportunity for travellers to explore other destinations in Malaysia beyond Kuala Lumpur, as the domestic airlines airfares are already available on discounted prices."

The promotions include:

• Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airlines offering the ’Showcase Malaysia Mega Deals’ that entitles a free stay for four days and three nights in Malaysia for two on purchase of air tickets in Malaysia Airlines. The package is valid until October 31, 2003 and is valid for two passengers travelling together to Malaysia and/or beyond Malaysia, during the promotional period. The free stay would be on a twin-share basis and is inclusive of breakfast. Passengers can choose from over 70 resorts and hotels ranging from three stars to five star status spread across 14 destinations in Malaysia. The package is available with all travel agents and is accompanied by a host of value additions.
• Tourism Malaysia and Singapore Airlines have joined hands for the first time to offer this special package on a twin sharing basis where a traveller would get to spend three nights in Langkawi, the natural paradise of Malaysia and one night in Singapore. The package inclusive of airfares, accommodation with breakfast is priced at Rs 19,999 per person. However for this promotion a consortium of agents have been formed who could sell this package. The list of agents are Krisia Travels, Stop-n-Shop Tours and Travels, Guideline Travels, Wilco Travels, Quantum Travels and J M Mehta and Company. The package would be valid from 1st August till 15th October 2003 and available all over India.
• Tourism Malaysia and Star Cruises launched a special package for Rs 13, 599 which include a two-night cruise and two-night stay in Malaysia. This offer is valid until September 30, 2003.
• The next was the ’Kuch Na Kaho’ Contest that was targeted directly to consumers. Tourism Malaysia tied-up with Cox & Kings and floated this package on the inlay of CD and audio cassettes.

Simultaneously, a contest was also conducted through music promotions. Five couples would be selected via a draw who would travel to Malaysia for three day and two nights. Commenting on future promotions and marketing campaigns, Madhu Saliankar, marketing manager, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board said, "In addition to all the above-mentioned promotions, we conducted a FAM for 10 select agents, a TV Crew and two media persons from western India. We are having a month long promotion for the Mega Sale. We also plan to launch the Singapore Airline campaign in South India in August, the cities include Kochi, Thiruvananthpuram and Calicut. Moreover, we are in talks with SriLankan Airlines to launch a campaign to boost tourist traffic. However, there has been a significant rise in people visiting Malaysia. This could be attributed to the number of visas being issue on a daily basis and there are many more plans in the pipeline."