The tourism sector has maintained encouraging growth in 2025, with the total number of domestic visitors reaching 290.1 million.
Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the figures represent an 11.5% increase compared with 260.1 million visitors in 2024.
He said domestic tourism expenditure for the year amounted to RM121bil, recording a robust 13.3% year‑on‑year growth, highlighting the sector’s increasing contribution to domestic economic activity.
"Overall, Malaysia’s domestic tourism sector continues to function as a key pillar of economic growth, supported by rising visitor numbers, higher tourism expenditure, and resilient performance across tourism‑related industries.
"The sustained growth observed in 2025 underscores the sector’s important role in strengthening domestic demand, supporting micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises, and enhancing overall economic resilience,” he said in a statement recently.
The findings are reported in the Bulletin Of Malaysia’s Domestic Tourism Survey, Fourth Quarter 2025, published by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
According to the statement, the number of domestic visitors reached 74 million, representing a 10.8% year‑on‑year increase, while on a quarter‑on‑quarter basis, the number of domestic visitors rose by 2% compared to the third quarter of 2025.
In line with higher travel activity, domestic tourism expenditure amounted to RM32.6bil during the quarter, an increase of 12.4% year‑on‑year. On a quarter‑on‑quarter basis, expenditure rose by 9.1% compared to the previous quarter.
The stronger performance of domestic tourism was driven by increased travel activity among Malaysians, particularly during the school holiday period and the year-end festive season.
The quarterly performance reflects sustained domestic demand, supported by higher spending on accommodation, food and beverage services, transportation, and retail activities across tourism-related industries.
Indicators from tourism-related industries were consistent with the stronger performance of domestic tourism as domestic arrivals at airports rose by 17.9% year-on-year, while retail sales of automotive fuel increased by 7.1%, reflecting higher mobility and travel-related consumption during the fourth quarter of 2025.
"The accommodation sub-sector also recorded solid performance, with revenue expanding by 14.7% year-on-year. Hotel occupancy rates improved across all categories, signalling stronger demand for accommodation services,” Mohd Uzir added.
Campaign continuesMeanwhile, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) is aligning its strategy with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to position Malaysia as the top South-East Asian destination.Matta president Nigel Wong said that with strong geographical and geopolitical standing at the heart of the Asean region, Malaysia continues to provide a competitive advantage, such as affordability and a strengthening currency.
"The country remains one of the most cost-effective destinations in the region while offering modern infrastructure and high levels of comfort for travellers,” he said at a recent press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
Wong said Malaysia has recorded steady growth in tourist arrivals from China, supported by plans to increase direct flight connectivity not only to KL but also to destinations such as Penang and other states.
"Several routes are still under negotiation, but authorities anticipate a further rise in visitor numbers once these are finalised.
"India has also emerged as a rapidly growing market, with increasing tourist arrivals and strong spending patterns. Shared cultural similarities have made Malaysia an attractive and comfortable destination for Indian travellers,” he said.
Wong said that intra-Asean travel will remain the key focus as neighbouring countries continue to be among Malaysia’s largest sources of tourist arrivals.
Despite ongoing global uncertainties, including geopolitical conflicts, Malaysia will continue engaging long-haul markets, particularly from Europe.
Wong said Malaysia’s promotional campaigns and sales missions will be maintained to ensure the country remains visible and competitive, to welcome back Western tourists in greater numbers once conditions stabilise.
"A key pillar of the Visit Malaysia 2026 strategy is strengthening domestic tourism, while Matta emphasises that a robust local tourism sector will help sustain businesses, including attractions and service providers, ensuring it remains resilient and well-prepared to meet future international demand.
"Overall, Malaysia adopts a comprehensive and balanced approach while focusing on regional, international, and domestic markets and also helps place the country in a strong position to achieve its tourism goals for 2026 and beyond,” he added. – Bernama
