Amir Pouyan Rafiei Shad (L), Libra Haniff (2nd L), Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin (2nd R) and Farhad Jafar (R) answer the questions during a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, at Espinas Hotel of Tehran

Malaysia Showcases Tourism Attractions at Tehran Int’l Tourism Exhibition 2025

TEHRAN (Iran News) The Malaysian delegation, led by Mr. Libra Haniff, Senior Deputy Director of the Malaysia International Tourism Promotion Division (Asia/Africa), introduced the country’s latest tourism offerings at a press conference held at the Espinas International Hotel in Tehran. Farhad Jafari, the marketing manager of the Ministry of Tourism of Malaysia in Tehran, in the press conference highlighted major goals behind the press conference and a gathering for introducing the Langkawi Tourism Project.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Haniff emphasized Malaysia’s dedication to showcasing its diverse attractions to the Iranian market. “We are delighted to participate in TITE 2025. This exhibition has played a key role in strengthening Malaysia’s position in the tourism industry and promoting our country’s diverse and vibrant attractions,” he said.

This year, 17 representatives from eight Malaysian tourism organizations, including state tourism boards, hotels, travel agencies, and tourism service providers, are participating in the exhibition. Their goal is to highlight Malaysia’s luxury experiences, shopping destinations, family vacations, honeymoon getaways, and adventure tourism, all of which are particularly appealing to travelers from West Asia.

Among the newest attractions presented to Iranian travelers were:

Eagle’s Nest Skywalk in Langkawi – a breathtaking new adventure tourism spot.

The Exchange TRX – Kuala Lumpur’s latest premium shopping and lifestyle hub.

Merdeka 118 Tower – now officially recognized as the world’s second-tallest building.

“We are confident that these new attractions, alongside Malaysia’s renowned beaches, stunning mountains, and lush rainforests, will create unforgettable experiences for our visitors,” Mr. Hanif added.

Malaysia set an ambitious tourism target for 2024, aiming to attract 27.3 million international visitors and generate MYR 102.7 billion in tourism revenue. By September 2024, Malaysia had already welcomed 19,618 tourists from Iran, marking a 45.3% increase compared to the previous year.

Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the country is setting an even higher benchmark, aiming for 35.6 million international tourist arrivals and MYR 147.1 billion in tourism revenue.

“To support this goal, Malaysia is enhancing its air connectivity by working closely with Middle Eastern airlines to increase flights from Iran,” Mr. Hanif stated. “These collaborations are crucial in boosting tourism numbers and strengthening Malaysia’s economic ties with the region.”

During the press conference, Mr. Hanif highlighted Malaysia’s unique travel experiences that continue to attract visitors worldwide:

Cultural Diversity: A rich mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience through festivals, cuisine, and historical sites.

Natural Beauty: From the twin peaks of Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur to the pristine beaches of Langkawi, Malaysia boasts breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife experiences, including orangutan sanctuaries.

Idyllic Islands: Popular destinations like Langkawi, Penang, and Sabah provide serene beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxation and adventure.

Shopping & Entertainment: Kuala Lumpur is a top shopping destination, offering everything from high-end malls to vibrant night markets.

Historical & Heritage Sites: Malacca (Melaka), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit for history lovers, featuring colonial-era landmarks and museums.

Warm Hospitality: Malaysians are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, making every visit a memorable one.

Malaysia is also introducing new incentives to enhance its tourism industry. The Grant for Strategic Promotion of Charter and Scheduled International Air Services (GSPC) is a financial support initiative for airlines and charter operators looking to establish or increase routes to Malaysia.

“The GSPC program plays a crucial role in improving Malaysia’s accessibility, especially from underserved markets like Iran. Through strategic partnerships with airlines, we are making Malaysia an even more attractive and accessible destination for international travelers,” Mr. Hanif explained.

Concluding the press conference, Mr. Hanif expressed gratitude to the Iranian media for their continuous support in promoting Malaysia as a top travel destination. “With your cooperation, we are confident that we can further boost tourism between our two nations,” he stated.

With exciting new attractions, enhanced flight connectivity, and a wide range of travel experiences, Malaysia is set to strengthen its position as a top destination for Iranian travelers in the coming years.

Then Mr. Mohd Fahauddin Hatmin, Tourism Malaysia Director of Middle East, highlighted some interesting programs and attraction which can attract more Iranian tourists to Malaysia, like seasonal shopping festivals.

Meanwhile Amir Pouyan Rafiei Shad, Chairman of Tehran Travel Agencies Association, who was in the press conference, pointed to the significance of Malaysia as a tourist destination for Iranians. He pointed to the security which is the major factor for tourists that Malaysia enjoys it and also hospitality of Malaysian people. He admitted the cost of travelling to Malaysia is the most important hurdle in way of more visits from Iranians to Malaysia, reiterating that Iran is also an attractive country for tourists which can host Malaysian tourists.

He expressed hope that the cooperation between the two countries would enhance which can boost tourism activities.

After the press conference, the gathering for presenting new tourist attractions in Malaysia focused on Langkawi Tourism Development Project.

Addressing the participants, Haslina Abdul Hamid, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the project briefed them with new tourist attractions in Langkawi which can attract more tourists.

The event was held in collaboration between Tourism Malaysia Office in Tehran ad Salam Air.

The Langkawi Tourism Development Project is a Malaysian government initiative aimed at transforming Langkawi into a world-class tourist destination. Key aspects include:

Master Plan: First introduced in 1987 under the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).

Infrastructure: Development of roads, airports, marinas, and resorts to enhance accessibility.

Eco-Tourism: Focus on preserving Langkawi’s natural beauty, including UNESCO-listed Geoparks.

Luxury & Leisure: Expansion of high-end hotels, golf courses, and duty-free shopping.

Sustainable Tourism: Encouraging green initiatives and community-based tourism.

Recent Upgrades: Continuous improvements, including smart tourism technologies and new attractions.