Kuala lumpur: The AirAsia Travel Fair (AATF) 2025 is expected to attract about 15,000 visitors, marking a significant increase from its last pre-pandemic edition in 2019. The airline has revived its signature travel fair series with plans to make next year’s showcase the largest in Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, AirAsia group chief commercial officer Amanda Woo announced that the airline will also host travel fairs in other countries including the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. This initiative is part of efforts to support Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026. Woo highlighted that the upcoming edition, scheduled for August 22 to 24 at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, will feature 213 booths and approximately 1,000 travel packages curated by leading local agents.
Woo stated that AirAsia plans to invite various airlines, hotels, and tourism partners to participate in the travel fair. International carriers such as Air Arabia and Emirates have already confirmed their participation. Woo emphasized the fair’s goal to expand participation next year as AirAsia positions itself as a travel company rather than just an airline.
The travel fair serves as a collaborative platform that unites travellers, travel agents, tourism boards, and industry partners under one roof. Building on previous editions held across key cities in Malaysia, the fair underscores Kuala Lumpur’s growing role as a major travel hub, offering extensive connectivity to domestic and international destinations while bolstering Malaysia’s tourism sector ahead of VMY 2026.
Woo also noted that this year’s fair is especially significant as it introduces routes beyond Asia. With VMY 2026 approaching, the airline is witnessing strong inbound demand from Central Asia, particularly from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Istanbul. Malaysia is increasingly viewed as a hub for travellers exploring the wider Asian region.
Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy remarked that the travel fair is a strategic move by AirAsia to further promote both domestic and international tourism. He shared that Malaysia is targeting the arrival of 43 million visitors in 2025, and as of June 2025, more than 25 million domestic and international tourists have been recorded. Manoharan expressed confidence that this initiative will help Tourism Malaysia achieve its goal of attracting 43 million tourists.
Manoharan added that the destinations featured in the exhibition are key source markets for Malaysia, with significant tourist arrivals from ASEAN and coastal countries. There has been over a 30 per cent increase in arrivals from China and India since the introduction of the visa-free policy by the government.