Kuala lumpur: Malaysia recorded 17.5 million international visitor arrivals between January and May this year, marking an increase of 3.4 per cent compared with the same period last year. This growth is attributed to strong demand from key source markets despite global geopolitical challenges.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tourism Malaysia director-general Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim stated that the increase was supported by visitors from ASEAN, China, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, as well as several Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. He noted that the growth could have been stronger if not for the conflict in the Middle East. However, the 3.4 per cent rise demonstrates the resilience of Malaysia's tourism industry.
The comments were made during the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) between Tourism Malaysia and Tripadvisor. The MoC was signed by Mohd Amirul Rizal and Tripadvisor's Asia Pacific Enterprise sales director Scott Wegener to enhance strategic cooperation in promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
This two-year collaboration, extending until the end of 2027, will allow Tourism Malaysia access to Tripadvisor's performance data and travel insights to bolster its data-driven tourism planning and marketing strategies. It will also explore co-branding campaigns, digital innovation, and programmes recognizing excellence in Malaysia's tourism industry.
The partnership aims to strengthen the digital presence of local tourism industry players by enhancing destination content and tourism product listings, thereby improving their visibility among international travellers. Tourism Malaysia has shifted its marketing focus towards regional markets and high-potential source markets like China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea, while collaborating with airlines to open new routes to Malaysia.
At a domestic level, efforts are being intensified to enhance tourism products by refreshing travel package offerings to ensure they remain attractive and encourage more domestic travel.
During the event, Malaysia received three accolades in the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Awards 2026. Kuala Lumpur was named among Asia's best food destinations, the Petronas Twin Towers was recognized as one of the region's top tourist attractions, and Pantai Cenang in Langkawi Island was listed among Asia's best beaches. Mohd Amirul Rizal remarked that these recognitions reflect the competitiveness of Malaysia's tourism offerings and further solidify the country's position as a preferred destination for international travellers amid the ongoing VM2026 campaign.