Chinese actress Fan Bingbing poses with people during her trip to Malaysia’s Melaka, June 2024. Photo courtesy of Fan Bingbing’s Instagram
Malaysia’s tourism sector is set for continued robust growth in 2025, and the country works towards 47 million international arrivals and US$80 billion in revenue for Visit Malaysia 2026.
Malaysia was the most visited country in Southeast Asia, with 24.5 million arrivals recorded in the first seven months, an increase of 16.8% year-on-year.
Tourism spending surged 174% to 161.9 billion MYR (nearly $40 billion), according to Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
According to the Tourism Satellite Account 2024, tourism contributed 15.1% of GDP or 291.9 billion MYR. This was up from 14.9% or 271.9 billion MYR in 2023.
Malaysia welcomed 38 million foreign visitors in 2024, up 31.1% year on year. Tourist expenditure grew 43.7% to 106.8 billion MYR.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Tiong King Sing said this positive momentum demonstrates growing confidence in Malaysia as a preferred travel destination. He said robust promotion and improved accessibility are key contributors.
He said Malaysia will intensify international promotion and marketing with a focus on flight connectivity, and more tourism, cultural and business events will be hosted.
