Tehran, Iran – February 12, 2025 – Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening tourism ties with Iran at the Tehran International Tourism Exhibition (TITE) 2025 and in a press conference held at Espinas International Hotel, Mr Libra Haniff, Senior Deputy Director of the International Promotion Division (Asia/Africa) at Tourism Malaysia, highlighted the country’s latest tourism initiatives and strategic developments.
Returning to Tehran for this prestigious event, Malaysia aims to enhance its tourism profile and showcase its diverse attractions. “It is always a privilege to participate in TITE, as it provides an excellent platform to connect with travel industry partners and strengthen Malaysia’s appeal to West Asian travellers,” Mr Haniff stated.
Malaysia’s delegation this year includes 17 participants from eight organizations, representing local tourism boards, hotels, travel agencies, and tourism product owners. The country is keen to promote various experiences tailored to Iranian tourists, including luxury vacations, family-friendly holidays, honeymoons, and eco-adventure tours.
New Attractions and Growing Visitor Numbers
Tourism Malaysia introduced its latest attractions, including the Eagle’s Nest Skywalk in Langkawi, the newly opened shopping destination The Exchange TRX, and the Merdeka 118 Tower—the world’s second-tallest building. These additions complement Malaysia’s renowned beaches, mountains, and rainforests, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors.
Reflecting on the positive trend in tourism, Mr Haniff shared that by September 2024, Malaysia had recorded 19,618 Iranian visitors—a 45.3% increase compared to the same period in 2023. “This substantial growth underscores the strong demand for Malaysia as a top destination among Iranian travellers,” he noted.
Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the country has set an ambitious goal of welcoming 35.6 million international tourists and generating RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts. To achieve this, Tourism Malaysia is enhancing partnerships with Middle Eastern airlines to improve connectivity and accessibility for travellers from Iran and beyond.
Strategic Initiatives for 2026
During the Q&A session, Mr. Haniff outlined Malaysia’s Global Strategic Partnership Collaboration (GSPC), a new initiative offering financial incentives to airlines and charter operators. This program aims to introduce new flight routes and increase frequencies, thereby strengthening Malaysia’s air connectivity and global accessibility.
Additionally, Malaysia continues to attract visitors with its rich cultural diversity, natural wonders, vibrant shopping destinations, and historical landmarks. Iranian travellers can explore UNESCO-listed Melaka, pristine island escapes like Langkawi and modern attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.
Expressing gratitude to the Iranian media for their continued support, Mr. Haniff emphasized the vital role of media collaboration in amplifying Malaysia’s tourism promotions. “We deeply appreciate your dedication in increasing awareness and interest in Malaysia,” he said.
As Malaysia strengthens its tourism industry, it remains committed to offering unique, high-quality travel experiences. The country looks forward to welcoming more Iranian travellers and fostering deeper cultural and economic ties through tourism.