KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign tourist arrivals in Malaysia increased by 14.5% compared with last year, said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.
A total of 28,242,804 tourists visited Malaysia from January to August this year, compared with 24,665,306 in the same period last year.
The ministry said this year’s numbers also mark a 16.4% increase over 2019, which recorded 24,258,413 foreign tourists.
“This reflects positive growth in foreign tourist arrivals in Malaysia,” it said in a written reply on Wednesday (Oct 8).
“It also reflects strong and sustainable momentum in the post‑pandemic period,” it added.
The ministry said this dispels perceptions that the national tourism sector is in decline.
On Visit Malaysia 2026, it said aggressive marketing and promotions are ongoing domestically and internationally.
This includes overseas sales missions and engagement sessions with government agencies, the private sector and tourism associations nationwide.
Grants have been provided to support cultural, tourism, sports and festival events to attract tourists and media.
“Collaborations are also held with tourism agencies, airlines and hotels to offer attractive packages through specific grants,” it said.
“This aims to enhance tourism marketing and promotional activities,” it added.
Digital platforms, social media and influencers are used alongside television, radio, print and billboards.
These carry tailored messages to target audiences.
“These strategies are critical to ensuring the effectiveness of Visit Malaysia 2026,” the ministry said.
It said the strategies also build the country’s image, stimulate the tourism economy and attract more tourists.
The ministry was responding to Suhaizan Kaiat, who asked about a reported 39% drop in Langkawi arrivals during the recent Malaysia Day 2025 period.
He also asked about nationwide foreign arrivals and strategies heading into Visit Malaysia 2026.
