Motac looks for multiple entry visas for Indian tourists

THE Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture (Motac) is looking to attract tourists from India to Malaysia in exchange for tourists from China who are currently in lockdown due to the Covid-zero policy.

Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Santhara Kumar said the ministry is working with the Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) and other relevant government agencies on the matter.

“We are also in the process of working with KDN, where we have already sent a letter to KDN specifically for tourists from India to allow multiple entries,” Santhara said in a press conference during the grand launch of the VIP Pass today.

“We are refining this matter, we have discussed and have applied to make a special appeal to allow multiple entries — otherwise it will be a constraint for the tourism sector. Many efforts have been made not only from the agency but from the top level (from the Motac minister) to hit the target.”

The VIP Pass is targeting 2,500 membership purchases for the Visit Malaysia Pass to help restore travel to Malaysia.

The RM600 value-for-money membership is valid for two years offering six free nights from over 137 hotels nationwide.

In addition, the membership also offers great discounts and cashback offers from multiple brands across Malaysia.

“We continue to work closely with Tourism Malaysia, our promotional board under Motac, to showcase the country’s unique blend of “Truly Asia” heritage through various private sectors in forming strategic partnerships to explore mutually beneficial initiatives that will drive tourism into Malaysia,” Santhara added.

As such, we welcome the launch of the VIP Pass created in support of the hotel industry and the revival of travel back into Malaysia with its “Visit Malaysia Pass” initiative. I anticipate this initiative will align with our policies to reinvent and transform the tourism industry to be competitive, sustainable and inclusive with the potential of making Malaysia the Top 10 tourism destination in this endemic phase,” he said.

On the internal savings by the ministry as recommended by the finance minister, he is positive that it will not significantly affect the loss of revenue for the sector; even the ministry will help facilitate entrepreneurs to succeed.

He also hoped that the Visit Malaysia Pass can help Malaysia become the top 10 tourism destinations internationally and top three tourism destinations in the region.

Explaining the company’s business model, VIP Pass CEO Sandeep S Grewal said that the rooms are mostly unsold hotel rooms obtained by VIP Pass for a much lower rate, which is a win-win situation for both members get an amazing deal, hotels get to sell the rooms and facility offers, thus increasing revenue.

“This deal will be promoted in Singapore, the UK, Australia, Thailand, India and Hong Kong. And I think it will do very well as this is really a good offer to get them to come over here. We aim to bring in over RM30 million in room night revenue with this pass and benefit the hotels and entire tourism ecosystem,” he said.

https://themalaysianreserve.com/2022/07/22/motac-looks-for-multiple-entry-visas-for-indian-tourists/