Tourism Malaysia is ramping up its promotional efforts in Central Asia by taking part in the 22nd Kazakhstan International Exhibition “Tourism and Travel” (KITF) 2024. This event will take place from April 24 to 26, 2024, at the Atakent International Exhibition Centre in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

This three-day exhibition is a crucial opportunity for Malaysia to enhance its visibility in the Central Asian market and to share updates on its latest tourism developments, especially in light of its goal to attract 35.6 million international visitors and earn RM147.1 billion in tourism revenue by Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

The opening of the Malaysian pavilion was graced by H.E. Mohd Adli Abdullah, the Malaysian Ambassador to Kazakhstan, and Mr. Nor Shazly Azmi, Director of Tourism Malaysia Almaty Office. The Malaysian contingent includes tour operators, destination management companies, various tourism services, and airlines such as Air Asia X Berhad, Embassy Alliance Travel, Fun & Sun Holidays, Asia Premium Holidays, and Menara Kuala Lumpur.

Mr. Nor Shazly highlighted that Kazakhstan remains one of the important and emerging tourism source markets in Central Asia, contributing 8,298 tourist arrivals to Malaysia in 2023. Packages focusing on islands and beaches, ecotourism, and cultural experiences will be promoted during the fair.

Additionally, other leading sources of tourists to Malaysia are Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. In 2023, Malaysia saw 20.14 million international tourists, who contributed RM71.3 billion in tourism revenue.

“With Air Asia X providing four direct flights per week to Malaysia and with a capacity of 1,140 passengers per week, it serves as the perfect gateway for travellers to explore Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings and highlights the scope for collaboration between tourism travel players in Malaysia and Kazakhstan,” Mr Nor Shazly added.

Visitors to the Tourism Malaysia booth at Pavilion 10, Stands 10-40 can discover the diverse attractions Malaysia offers to travelers from Kazakhstan. Additionally, they can enter a lucky draw to win prizes such as return flights from Almaty to Kuala Lumpur, accommodations, and other items from Tourism Malaysia and Air Asia.