Sarawak woos Indian travellers at Outbound Travel Mart

MUMBAI, India, 6 February 2026 – Sarawak is making a major push to attract Indian tourists as Malaysia works toward bringing in two million visitors from India this year. The Malaysian state kicked off its campaign at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026 at Jio World Convention Centre here on Feb 4, sending its delegation to India's largest travel trade show.

Leading the team were Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Also present were Deputy MTCP Minister, Datuk Sebastian Ting, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) Chairman, Dato Dennis Ngau, and STB CEO, Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor.

Their presence at the Jio World Convention Centre signals how seriously Sarawak is taking the Indian market, especially as demand from India has surged 8% recently. The push comes as Malaysia targets 43 million international visitors for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, with India identified as a key growth market.

At the event, Sarawak promoted itself as a nature and culture destination, focusing on CANFF (Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festivals). The state is also highlighting UNESCO World Heritage sites like Mulu National Park and Niah National Park, along with experiences in some of the world's oldest rainforests.

Delegates from Sarawak interacting with travel trade visitors and sharing insights on Sarawak’s CANFF offerings at the Sarawak Pavilion during the opening day of OTM 2026.

Dr Sharzede spoke on a panel titled “Beyond the Usual: Mapping Where Indian Travellers Will Go Next,” where she discussed how Sarawak is preparing for the next wave of Indian tourists.

Meanwhile, Karim also addressed attendees during the opening session, where he emphasised Sarawak's readiness to meet changing travel preferences.

Before the trade show opened, the delegation met with Malaysia's Consul General in Mumbai, Ahmad Zuwairi Yusoff, to strengthen diplomatic ties. The team also visited Somaiya Vidyavihar University with representatives from UCSI University Sarawak Campus to explore education tourism opportunities. The partnership aims to establish programmes in hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts through student and faculty exchanges.

Courtesy call by Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (4th right) on Consul General, Ahmad Zuwairi Yusoff at the Consulate General Malaysia Mumbai Office.

UCSI University’s Pro Vice Chancellor (Kuching Campus) Mukvinder Kaur Sandhu (front, right) and Registrar of Somaiya Vidyavihar, Dr Nandkumar Gilke (front, left) with the signed MOC between Somaiya Vidyavihar University and UCSI University Sarawak Campus to promote education tourism, a key niche segment for the Indian market.

Covering over 120,000 square kilometres, Sarawak is Malaysia's largest state and hosts 34 distinct ethnic communities, each with unique traditions and cultural practices. Tourism officials believe the State's rich cultural diversity, combined with its pristine natural landscapes, positions it as an ideal destination for Indian travellers seeking authentic and differentiated experiences. The delegation expects their presence at OTM 2026 to help create customised travel packages for the Indian market and build long-term awareness of Sarawak as a destination.