Malaysia is positioning itself as a primary destination for Middle Eastern travelers, with Egypt being a key market. According to Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, Egypt consistently has the highest number of visitors traveling to Malaysia from the Middle East. With 1,700 companies and over 2,000 booths participating in the 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026, Kuala Lumpur has become a global hub for halal trade and tourism.
Datuk Manoharan Periasamy emphasized that Malaysia has an open-skies policy, encouraging new connections and direct flights from Egypt. He noted that Egypt used to operate flights to Malaysia via Mumbai about eight years ago, but those flights were halted for economic reasons. With strong political and diplomatic relations between the two countries, Periasamy believes that direct links between Egypt and Malaysia are welcome and that their national carriers, Malaysia Airlines or EgyptAir, could establish direct connections.
Malaysia is shifting its focus from traditional sightseeing to experiential, gastronomic, and nature-based tourism. The country is promoting its cultural diversity, with Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, as well as Arab influences. Periasamy highlighted that visitors from the Middle East tend to stay in Malaysia longer than tourists in any other leisure segment, with an average stay of around 10 to 12 days. The halal factor is also a strong selling point for Malaysia, with many restaurants and hotels catering to Muslim tourists.
The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) under the Ministry of Health is responsible for promoting medical tourism in Malaysia. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy noted that Egypt is advanced in medical tourism, and there is potential for joint ventures, patient referrals, and knowledge exchange between the two countries. Many Malaysians are studying medicine in Egypt, and patients from Egypt also come to Malaysia for advanced treatment.
MIHAS 2026 has become a platform for companies to promote their products and for countries to exchange ideas on halal tourism. Periasamy stated that Malaysia wants to position itself as a leading Muslim country in the global halal sector. The event has grown significantly over the years, with over 2,000 participants and 1,700 companies from Malaysia and abroad taking part.
Malaysia is also promoting its homestay program, allowing visitors to experience life in rural Malaysia. The country is highlighting its competitive advantages, including adventure, nature, diving, and other experiences in Sabah and Sarawak. Periasamy emphasized that the Visit Malaysia Campaign for 2026, extended until 2027, focuses on experiential travel, allowing visitors to indulge in and experience the Malaysian way of life.
The strong diplomatic ties between Egypt and Malaysia provide a solid foundation for a joint tourism initiative. Both countries can exchange hospitality expertise and establish a direct flight link to boost reciprocal visitor flows. With its diverse culture, delicious cuisine, and rich experiences, Malaysia is poised to become a top destination for Egyptian tourists.
Key points
- Egypt is a priority market for Malaysia's tourism industry, with the highest number of visitors from the Middle East.
- Malaysia is promoting experiential travel, gastronomic tourism, and halal tourism to attract Middle Eastern visitors.
- The country aims to establish joint ventures and knowledge exchange in medical tourism with Egypt.
