KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s tourism sector continues strong growth this year with international arrivals rising sharply from 2024 levels, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
For January to July 2025, Malaysia recorded 24.5 million foreign arrivals, up 16.8% year on year, he said.
Tourism spending surged 174% to RM161.9bil, added Tiong
“This positive momentum demonstrates growing confidence in Malaysia as a preferred travel destination,” he said on Monday (Nov 17).
He said robust promotion and improved accessibility are key contributors.
According to the Tourism Satellite Account 2024, tourism contributed 15.1% or RM291.9bil to GDP.
This was up from 14.9% or RM271.9bil in 2023, he said.
Tiong also said Malaysia welcomed 38 million foreign visitors in 2024, up 31.1% year on year.
Tourist expenditure grew 43.7% to RM106.8bil, he added.
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 we work towards 47 million international arrivals and RM329bil in revenue for Visit Malaysia 2026,” he said.
