Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Malaysia’s tourism sector is set for continued robust growth in 2025, with international arrivals rising sharply compared to 2024.
For January to July, Malaysia recorded 24.5 million foreign arrivals, up 16.8% year on year, according to Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Tourism spending surged 174% to 161.9 billion MYR (nearly 40 billion USD). 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.
These efforts are crucial as the country works towards 47 million international arrivals and 80 billion USD in revenue for Visit Malaysia 2026, he said./.
