Sabah tourist arrivals up 4.1pc

 

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah tourist arrivals rose 4.1 per cent from January to August, disproving talk of a slump in the state’s tourism sector.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal said there had been an increase in both international and domestic arrivals during the period.

“The talk that Sabah’s tourism is declining is not true at all,” he said after officiating the opening ceremony of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair Sabah at the Sabah International Convention Centre, here, Saturday.

“From January to August this year, tourist numbers increased 4.1 per cent. International arrivals rose about 6.9 per cent, while local Malaysian visitors grew 2.1 per cent compared with last year,” he said.

For the record, this is the second Matta Fair held in Sabah this year, following the first edition in April.

“This time, we brought in travel agents to offer very attractive packages to draw more tourists to Sabah,” he said.

“On behalf of the State Government, I greatly appreciate and support initiatives like this by Matta to increase tourist arrivals and to promote Sabah to the world,” he added.

Asked whether the fair was part of preparations for Visit Sabah 2027, Dr Andi said it was.

“Certainly, Matta Fair is one of the programmes we have planned. God willing, in November we will release the full calendar for Visit Sabah 2027,” he said.

He said Sabah was also being actively promoted overseas, pointing out that State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin was currently in China to promote the state’s tourism sector.

The three-day fair is being held until today (Sunday) and is open to the public from 10am to 9pm.

It features 83 booths involving 28 tour and travel agencies, three hotels and resorts, two state tourism offices and four other travel-related service providers.

For the record, the April edition attracted an estimated 37,499 visitors and generated about RM24 million in sales.

For this edition, the Matta Sabah Chapter has set a target of 30,000 visitors and RM28 million in sales.

The fair is endorsed by the Sabah Tourism Board, with RHB Bank as the bank partner and Malaysia Aviation Group as the official airline partner and premier sponsor. Tourism Johor is also taking part.

Matta Sabah Chapter Chairman Alex Chong said the fair was more than a platform for selling holiday packages.

“It connects travellers with professional travel agents and tourism businesses while creating opportunities across the wider tourism ecosystem,” he said.

He said this year’s theme, “Discover More. Travel More. Experience More”, reflected the association’s encouragement for Sabahans to explore destinations in Sabah, Malaysia and overseas.

“At the same time, we are promoting Sabah as a destination for domestic and international travellers,” he said.

Present were Matta president Nigel Wong, among others.

-Daily Express.

Hampir 1 juta ‘serbu’ Terengganu minggu lalu

 

Razali (kanan) merasmikan program Kesedaran Awam, Pendidikan dan Komunikasi Denai Sungai Kebangsaan di Dungun hari ini.

DUNGUN – Hampir sejuta pelancong membanjiri Terengganu sempena musim cuti perayaan Aidiladha pada minggu lalu. 

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Kebudayaan, Alam Sekitar dan Perubahan Iklim Terengganu, Datuk Razali Idris berkata, sebanyak 20 peratus ketibaan pengunjung sepanjang tempoh 22 Mei hingga 1 Jun itu merupakan pelancong asing.

“Berdasarkan unjuran semasa, seramai 943,161 orang memasuki Terengganu sepanjang minggu lalu. 

“Ia turut melibatkan 20 peratus pelancong asing yang kebanyakannya dari Singapura, China dan Thailand,” katanya ditemui selepas merasmikan Program Kesedaran Awam, Pendidikan dan Komunikasi Denai Sungai Kebangsaan peringkat Terengganu. 

Razali berkata, sebanyak 419,183 buah kenderaan direkodkan memasuki Terengganu menerusi Lebuh Raya Pantai Timur 2 (LPT2) sepanjang tempoh tersebut.

Beliau berkata, kemasukan pelancong memberangsangkan itu pasti memberi impak kepada ekonomi negeri khususnya peniaga kecil, pengusaha hotel dan inap desa. 

“Kita akan mengetahui nilai keseluruhan perbelanjaan dilakukan pelancong terbabit menerusi perbelanjaan Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia (DOSM) pada masa terdekat,” katanya.

-Kosmo! Online.

PATA launches upgraded PATAmPOWER tourism data platform

 

PATA has introduced an upgraded version of its PATAmPOWER platform, expanding the tourism data tool’s functionality, coverage and user experience for industry stakeholders across Asia-Pacific. 

The enhanced platform was unveiled on May 13 during the PATA Annual Summit 2026 in South Korea.

PATAmPOWER consolidates tourism-related datasets, including visitor arrivals, aviation, expenditure and forecast information, into a single dashboard designed to support data-driven planning and decision-making across the travel sector. 

The updated version features a redesigned interface, improved dashboard functionality and expanded filtering, visualisation and export capabilities intended to streamline navigation and analysis. 

The platform is designed for use by governments, destination management organisations, national tourism organisations, aviation and hospitality companies, as well as researchers and analysts. Available datasets include monthly international visitor arrivals across Asia-Pacific destinations, annual visitor profiles, average visitor expenditure, inbound flight frequencies, seat capacity projections and tourism forecasts by origin market. 

PATA said the platform draws on data provided through collaborations with official government tourism authorities and aviation data company OAG, which serves as one of the association’s official data providers. 

Access to PATAmPOWER is available through PATA InfoHub accounts, with varying levels of member access depending on membership tier. Selected datasets may also be made available publicly upon request. 

“This upgraded version of the PATAmPOWER platform has been redesigned with our users in mind. The platform is now easier to navigate, which naturally leads to more instantaneous access to the insights needed for decision makers,” said Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of PATA. “As a trusted tool for our members over the years, we look forward to continuing to support them with an improved experience through this refined edition of PATAmPOWER.”

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia hits 10.64 million international arrivals in Q1 2026

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia recorded a new tourism milestone in the first quarter of this year as international arrivals rose 5.4 per cent to 10.64 million visitors, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said. 

Tiong said the latest figures marked the second consecutive year the country exceeded 10 million international arrivals in the first quarter, surpassing even pre-pandemic levels. 

He said this year's growth was driven largely by the Chinese New Year holidays, which helped Malaysia set a new monthly record in February. 

"For the first time, visitor arrivals in February surpassed three million, reaching 3,472,557 arrivals, the highest ever recorded in a single month," he said in a statement today. 

He said the latest figure was also higher than the pre-pandemic level in 2019, when Malaysia recorded 9.01 million visitors in the first quarter. 

Tiong said the achievement was recorded despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting fuel supply, forcing flight route changes and pushing up airline operating costs, with the impact becoming more apparent towards the end of March.

"Because of this, the first-quarter visitor arrival performance can still be considered good. By region, only visitors from three regions recorded a decline, while six others posted growth compared with the same period last year," he said. 

He said arrivals from the Middle East were the worst affected, falling 27.2 per cent, while South Asia and North Africa also declined by 6.7 per cent and 8.4 per cent, respectively. 

"Visitors from East Asia and asean each rose by more than 200,000, while arrivals from the Americas, Oceania and Europe also increased by more than 10,000. 

"Central Asia recorded the highest growth rate, rising 20 per cent compared with last year," he said. 

Tiong said China was the main growth driver, with more than 280,000 additional visitors and a 25.2 per cent increase, while Australia recorded double-digit growth of 11.4 per cent. 

Tiong said the expansion of Malaysia's international air connectivity, especially through direct routes, remained a key driver of tourism growth and contributed to the 5.4 per cent increase in first-quarter arrivals. 

He said 20 new scheduled routes began operating in the first three months of the year, with 12 airlines adding 95 international flights to Malaysia each week, while five other airlines operated six charter routes linking China and Hong Kong with Malaysia. 

He said increased China-Malaysia flight capacity during the Chinese New Year travel period helped arrivals from China surpass 500,000, reaching 604,675 and contributing to February's record monthly arrivals.

-nst online.

75,000 flood Langkawi for Aidilfitri holidays

 

LANGKAWI: Some 75,000 visitors have flooded the island over the last five days, driven by a surge of holidaymakers and residents returning for Aidilfitri. 

Of the total arrivals since Monday, 18,000 arrived via passenger ferries from Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah, while approximately 7,000 used roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) services. 

Air travel remained a primary choice, with an estimated 50,000 passengers recorded arriving via domestic and international flights during the same period. 

Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd (Ferry Line) operations manager Lieutenant Commander (Rtd) Norhafiz Abdul Wahid said 11,230 passengers entered Langkawi through the Kuala Perlis route. 

"For the Kuala Kedah-Langkawi route, 6,960 local and foreign passengers were recorded across seven trips, including two additional services. 

"We believe this increase is driven by Langkawi natives returning for the festivities and tourists taking the opportunity to holiday on the island", he said.

Langkawi Port Sdn Bhd general manager Muhd Nasir Abd Aziz said the Tanjung Lembung Pier (DTL) recorded about 7,000 passenger arrivals in the same timeframe. 

He said ferry operators increased trip frequency to eight times daily, up from the usual four, to meet the festive demand. 

"This ensures the smooth movement of passengers and vehicles between Langkawi and Kuala Perlis", he said in a statement. 

Checks on flight schedules showed Langkawi International Airport (LTAL) receiving an average of 20 incoming flights daily from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru, Singapore, and Bengaluru, India. 

An airport staff member, who wished to be known only as Man, said employees were briefed to handle an average of 5,000 passengers per day throughout the peak period.

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia Meriahlan Sambutan Tahun Baru Cina Di Lapangan Terbang

 

SELANGOR, 17 Februari 2026 — Tourism Malaysia meraikan musim perayaan Tahun Baru Cina menerusi siri aktiviti sambutan di 13 pintu masuk utama negara sempena kempen Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Majlis sambutan yang berlangsung di KLIA Terminal 1 turut diserikan dengan kehadiran YB Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya. Para pelawat disambut meriah dengan persembahan tarian singa, kemunculan maskot rasmi VM2026, Wira dan Manja yang tampil menggayakan busana bertemakan Tahun Baru Cina, serta cenderamata istimewa yang mencerminkan kemesraan, keharmonian dan kepelbagaian budaya Malaysia.

Sambutan ini merupakan inisiatif Tourism Malaysia di bawah kempen Visit Malaysia 2026 bagi memperkukuh penjenamaan destinasi, mempromosikan kepelbagaian budaya Malaysia serta meninggalkan pengalaman positif kepada pelawat.

-Tourism Malaysia.

15,000 pelancong serbu Langkawi sempena Tahun Baharu Cina

 

LANGKAWI: Pulau ini menerima kemasukan kira-kira 15,000 pelancong sempena sambutan Tahun Baharu Cina yang berlangsung meriah hari ini dan esok. 

Ketua Penolong Pegawai Daerah Kanan (Pengurusan Tanah) Pejabat Daerah dan Tanah Langkawi, Zulkifli Abdullah, berkata hari ini sahaja seramai 7,952 pelancong memasuki pulau peranginan itu menerusi laluan udara dan laut. 

Beliau berkata, Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Langkawi (LTAL) menerima 33 penerbangan hari ini termasuk penerbangan antarabangsa dari Bengaluru, India dan Singapura, selain penerbangan domestik. 

"Hari ini seawal jam 9.51 pagi kita dapat lihat suasana di LTAL sangat meriah dengan kemasukan pelancong berkeluarga yang begitu ramai dengan penerbangan pertama dari Kuala Lumpur.

"Pelancong yang tiba ini pastinya mengambil peluang untuk menghabiskan cuti sempena sambutan Tahun Baharu Cina yang jatuh pada hari ini dan esok," katanya selepas mengetuai majlis sambutan dan menyantuni ketibaan pelancong sempena Tahun Baharu Cina di LTAL di sini, hari ini.  

Mengulas lanjut, Zulkifli berkata, daripada jumlah 7,952 pelancong yang direkodkan masuk hari ini, seramai 4,277 orang tiba menerusi 33 penerbangan.

Katanya, seramai 2,572 pelancong lagi masuk ke pulau ini menerusi perkhidmatan feri penumpang dari Kuala Perlis dan Kuala Kedah. 

"Selain itu, seramai 1,103 pelancong lagi masuk menerusi enam perkhidmatan feri penumpang dan kenderaan (RoRo). 

"Berdasarkan jumlah penerbangan, jadual perkhidmatan feri dan RoRo yang sama seperti hari ini, kita menganggarkan kira-kira 15,000 pelancong akan memasuki Langkawi dalam tempoh dua hari iaitu hari ini dan esok," katanya. 

Yang turut hadir, Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Domestik dan Acara Tourism Malaysia, Mohd Roslan Abdullah serta Pengerusi Persatuan Penggiat Industri Pelancongan Langkawi (PPIPL), Raseli Yahya. 

Sementara itu, Raseli berkata, setiap pelancong yang tiba menerima beg cenderamata berisi risalah promosi serta tawaran diskaun lima hingga 25 peratus produk pelancongan ahli PPIPL.

-berita harian online.

Global tourism hit new record level in 2025: UN Tourism

 

MADRID: Global tourism hit a new record level in 2025 with 1.52 billion international tourist arrivals recorded worldwide, driven by strong increases in Asia and Africa, UN Tourism said Tuesday. 

"Demand for travel remained high throughout 2025, despite high inflation in tourism services and uncertainty from geopolitical tensions," the secretary general of the Madrid-based body, Shaikha Alnuwais, said in a statement. 

"We expect this positive trend to continue into 2026 as the global economy is expected to remain steady and destinations still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels fully recover." 

The number of international tourist arrivals last year was four per cent higher than the 1.4 billion recorded in 2024, reaching its highest level in the post-pandemic era and a new record, UN Tourism said. 

Africa saw an eight per cent rise in arrivals in 2025 to 81 million, with Morocco and Tunisia posting particularly strong results. 

International arrivals grew by six per cent in Asia and Pacific to reach 331 million in 2025, some 91 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

Europe, the world's most popular destination region, recorded 793 million international arrivals in 2025, a four per cent increase over the previous year and six per cent above 2019, the year before the pandemic paralysed travel.

-nst online.

VM2026 Dilancarkan: Malaysia Menyambut Mesra Pelawat Di Seluruh Negara

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 Januari 2026 - Tourism Malaysia menyambut ketibaan Tahun Baharu 2026 dengan penganjuran sambutan khas di pintu masuk antarabangsa dan hab pengangkutan utama negara secara serentak di 55 pintu masuk utama dan lokasi terpilih di kesemua 13 negeri di Malaysia bagi mengalu-alukan ketibaan pelawat antarabangsa bersempena pelancaran rasmi kempen Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Majlis sambutan yang berlangsung di KLIA Terminal 1 turut diserikan dengan kehadiran YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya. Para pelawat disambut dengan persembahan kebudayaan, kemunculan maskot rasmi VM2026, Wira dan Manja, serta cenderamata istimewa yang mencerminkan kemesraan, keharmonian dan kepelbagaian budaya Malaysia.

Dengan lebih 300 acara dirancang sepanjang tahun dan sasaran 43 juta pelawat antarabangsa, VM2026 menjanjikan pelbagai pengalaman pelancongan yang unik dan mengujakan, mengajak dunia meneroka 'Surreal Experiences' di Malaysia sepanjang tahun 2026.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sabah records 10.67 million tourists, RM23.4 billion in spending

 

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded 10.67 million tourist arrivals with total spending reaching RM23.42 billion between 2021 and 2025. 

Sabah caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that the growth of the tourism sector has also generated more employment for the people. 

He said over 360,000 job opportunities have been created since 2023 through the preservation and restoration of historical sites, the upgrading and construction of recreational facilities, and urban beautification projects that benefit the local community. 

"The state's vast tourism potential has spurred significant tourism-based developments by prominent companies, including Sheraton Hotel Kota Kinabalu, Club Med Borneo Kuala Penyu, InterContinental Hotel Papar, Hilton Garden Inn Resort Tuaran, Hyatt Centric Hotel Kota Kinabalu, and Citadines Waterfront Hotel Kota Kinabalu. 

"Additionally, with an increase to 207 domestic and 126 international flights at KKIA each week, it proves Sabah remains a key destination, especially for tourists from Brunei, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam," he said at the 2025 Sabah Civil Service Convention held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). 

He added that the tourism sector was part of the state's Hala Tuju SMJ 1.0 development plan, which covered multiple economic sectors, and has achieved remarkable progress and results that exceeded expectations.

In the agricultural sector, for instance, one notable achievement was a RM620 million investment in coconut cultivation and downstream industries by Linaco Resources Sdn Bhd. 

"Sabah's investment performance reflects investor confidence in the government, supported by the efficiency of the civil service. 

"From 2021 until the second quarter of this year, the manufacturing sector recorded RM24.9 billion in investments from 87 foreign and domestic investors," he said. 

He said major high-value investments included RM4.29 billion from SK Nexilis, RM3.43 billion from SBH Kibing Solar, as well as Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd, which has a three-phase investment totalling RM6.59 billion. 

PETRONAS has also begun operations at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP), showing that investments in the state are not limited to domestic sources but also come from international investors, he said. 

He added that these investments have benefited the people of Sabah as a whole, creating more than 38,000 job opportunities for locals. 

One of the government's most significant achievements in the oil and gas sector was the signing of the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) between the Sabah State Government and PETRONAS on 7 December 2021, marking a new era of Sabah's participation in the industry, he said. 

As a result, Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC) has been appointed as the main gas supplier and transporter, now possessing domestic gas capacity exceeding 250 million cubic feet per day, with the industry's total revenue expected to surpass RM2.5 billion annually — making it one of the state's primary revenue contributors. 

SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned Sabah government company, which initially started with limited capital, has grown its value to RM5 billion within three years, with total assets of RM4.9 billion and a profit of RM307 million, he said.

-nst online.

Malaysia sees 16pct surge in tourist arrivals amid ASEAN chairmanship

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has recorded an impressive 16.4 per cent increase in visitors entering the country via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from January to August this year, in conjunction with its tenure as ASEAN Chair, compared to the same period last year. 

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said that while Malaysia recorded 3,519,005 visitors via KLIA, visitor arrivals through other routes also increased. 

Last year, only 3,022,320 visitors entered Malaysia during the same period. 

The number of visitors entering Malaysia via Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar in Johor, saw a 6.7 per cent increase from January to August with 4,829,907 foreign visitors compared to the same period in 2024 which recorded only 4,526,240 visitors. 

"The number of foreign visitors entering Malaysia through the Malaysia-Thailand border from January to August 2025 totalled 1,590,464, marking a 6 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2024, which recorded 1,499,803 visitors," he said in a written parliamentary reply last night.  

The highest number of visitors entering via Thailand this year came from Padang Besar which saw 515,903 visitors, followed by Bukit Kayu Hitam (479,626), Rantau Panjang (235,526), Pos Immigresen Bukit Bunga (108,392), Pengkalan Kubur (103,638), Pengkalan Hulu (Bukit Berapit) (89,811), Wang Kelian (36,684), and Durian Burung (20,884).

Malaysia is hosting the final Asean meetings in Kuala Lumpur this month, prompting a notable rise in foreign visitors.

-nst online.

Langkawi records 1.5 million tourists in second quarter

 

LANGKAWI: Langkawi's tourism sector continues to chart encouraging growth, with tourist arrivals surpassing 1.5 million in the first six months of the year. 

Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Iskandar Mohd Kaus said as of June 30, the island recorded 1,525,953 tourist arrivals, representing 43.6 per cent of its 3.5 million target for 2024. 

"Of this figure, 1,325,225 were domestic visitors, while 200,728 were international tourists, mainly from India, China, the United Kingdom, Poland and Russia.

"We are confident the number will rise significantly by December," he told reporters after the handover of Kampung Angkat Madani Phase 1 allocation at Masjid Ar-Rahman, Kampung Kedawang, yesterday. 

Iskandar said the third and fourth quarters are expected to record even higher arrivals, fuelled by major events such as Ironman Malaysia Langkawi and the Langkawi Writers Festival.

"In addition, Lada, together with Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG), has launched the Langkawi Special Deals programme, offering attractive packages with discounts ranging from 20 to 70 per cent," he said. 

On KAM, Iskandar said Kampung Gelam in Kedawang has received RM1 million for various community development projects this year. 

Among the allocations, Masjid Ar-Rahman received RM635,000 for the construction of an open hall, perimeter fencing and roof upgrades. 

SK Kedawang was allocated RM50,000 for student waiting facilities, while SMK Kedawang received RM65,000 to improve its parking area. 

"In total, the Federal Government channelled RM700,000 in the first phase for mosque and school facilities in the area. We hope these projects will bring tangible benefits to the local community," he said.

-nst online.

Sabah sees surge in tourism: 1.44 million visitors in just five months

 

photo: SABAH, Malaysian Borneo

KOTA KINABALU: In the first five months this year, Sabah welcomed 1.44 million visitors, bringing in about RM3.3bil in tourism income, says Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. 

He said this when speaking at a dinner with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and 15 foreign diplomats and officials from 10 countries in Semporna on Saturday (July 5). 

“There have been no kidnapping cases in recent years, which shows how serious ESSCom (Eastern Sabah Security Command) is about keeping our waters and communities safe. 

“This also helps the Sabah Tourism Board promote our state as a safe and friendly place to visit,” said Bangkuai. 

Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Sabah’s Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Joint Forces commander Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin, and ESSCom commander Datuk Victor Sanjos, were also present at the event. 

Earlier in the day, the group visited Pulau Omadal, Pulau Sibuan, Pulau Bohey Dulang, and Pulau Mataking. 

“We are seeing the results of working closely with our security and tourism teams. Tourists feel safe coming here, even to areas once considered risky, and investors are confident about putting money into tourism,” said He stated that from the 1.44 million visitors to Sabah, 559,150 were international tourists and 879,420 were local tourists. 

China was still Sabah’s biggest foreign market, with 243,688 visitors, followed by South Korea with 76,685. 

There was also a significant rise in visitors from Europe, numbering 35,240 between January and May, which was 25.6% higher than the same period last year. 

The UK and Ireland brought in 13,910 tourists, followed by Germany (3,854) and France (2,750). 

Meanwhile, the United States recorded 9,356 visitors, and Canada had 2,949. 

“We are hopeful about the future of tourism in Sabah. With ESSCom’s support and the trust of our visitors, we’re ready to welcome even more tourists in the months to come,” said Bangkuai. Bangkuai, who is also the Sabah Tourism Board chairman.

-thestar online.

Yangon-Penang Direct Flight Launched, Set To Boost Tourism For Visit Malaysia 2026

 

PENANG, 10 April 2025 – Tourism Malaysia welcomes the launch of Myanmar Airways International (MAI)’s new direct flight connecting Yangon (RGN) and Penang (PEN), which is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. The twice-weekly service, operating every Monday and Thursday, will utilise an Embraer 190 (E190) aircraft with a capacity of 96 passengers per flight, providing seamless connectivity between the two destinations. 

The inaugural flight landed at Penang International Airport today and was celebrated with the presence of distinguished guests, including H.E. U Aung Soe Win, Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia; YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy, and YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. 

This Penang route expands MAI’s presence in Malaysia, complementing its established Yangon-Kuala Lumpur service, which commenced in April 2022 and currently operates 14 weekly flights. 

Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, stated: “The launch of direct Yangon-Penang flights is poised to significantly boost tourism between Myanmar and Malaysia, especially for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). By establishing Penang as a destination on new routes, we are excited to anticipate a surge in international visitor arrivals, opening the door and opportunities for both leisure and business travellers and strengthening cultural ties. This direct connection will also unlock new prospects for economic growth, further showcasing the best of a variety Malaysia has to offer as a premier travel destination in Southeast Asia.” 

Mr Tanes Kumar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MAI, stated: “The launch of our Yangon– Penang route marks another milestone in MAI’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity. With its rich culture and tourism appeal, Penang is the perfect addition to our growing network. This new service will facilitate stronger business, tourism, and people-to-people ties between Myanmar and Malaysia while providing greater convenience for travellers. We are confident that this route will support economic growth in both regions, and we look forward to welcoming more passengers on board as we continue to expand our network with our signature hospitality.” 

Echoing the significance of this new route for regional tourism, YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy, said: “We warmly welcome MAI’s new Yangon–Penang direct flight, which enhances our international connectivity and creates exciting opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. This strategic link further strengthens Penang’s position as a dynamic gateway to Malaysia and a vibrant destination for global travellers. We also look forward to welcoming more visitors from Yangon to explore Penang’s renowned offerings, including our world-class medical tourism services.” 

Myanmar visitors’ arrival to Malaysia from January to December has demonstrated significant growth over the years, reflecting the increasing appeal of Malaysia as a travel destination. In 2024, a total of 147,133 Myanmar visitors arrived, marking a substantial rise from 102,587 in 2023 and 57,232 in 2019. This upward trend represents a notable 43.4% increase from 2023 to 2024 and an impressive 157.1% surge from 2019 to 2024, underscoring the strengthening of travel ties between the two nations.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Strong tourism growth anticipated in Langkawi

 

Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa remains optimistic about its business expansion despite rising competition in Langkawi.

KUALA LUMPUR: The 2025 outlook for Langkawi's hospitality industry looks highly promising, with strong indicators of robust tourism sector growth. 

The island is poised for major development under the Greater Kedah 2050 roadmap, emphasising eco-tourism, luxury resorts, and economic expansion. 

Langkawi is targeting 3.5 million tourist arrivals in 2025 — a goal deemed "safely achievable" by industry observers — aligning with Visit Kedah Year 2025 and preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 

The island attracted 2.9 million visitors last year, generating RM7.03 billion in tourism receipts, up from 2.81 million visitors and RM6.43 billion in 2023.

Amid this growing demand, Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, part of the Tradewinds Hotels & Resorts portfolio, remains optimistic about its business expansion despite rising competition in Langkawi. 

General manager Neoh Kean Boon reported steady growth in tourist arrivals compared to 2019 figures.

"We're seeing growth from both well-established markets that have visited Langkawi for decades and new markets just beginning to explore the island's charm," Neoh told NST Property via email. 

In response to rising demand, the five-star resort has launched an extensive renovation of its meeting and banquet facilities, with completion expected this quarter. 

"The resort will unveil a new grand ballroom annex and fully upgraded pre-function and meeting rooms, allowing us to host events for up to 3,000 guests across our various spaces," Neoh said. 

Langkawi Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid said last month that the increase in visitor spending underscores the island's growing reputation as a premium travel destination. 

She highlighted two key milestones achieved in 2024: the highest-ever international tourism receipts at RM5.1 billion and a record-breaking 1.7 million international arrivals. These figures surpassed the previous records set in 2018, when the island recorded RM4.638 billion in international receipts and 1.54 million international arrivals. 

State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin reported a significant rise in hotel occupancy rates in December 2024, with data from the Malaysian Association of Hotels showing an average occupancy of 78 per cent. 

Ferry operators also noted a surge in tourist arrivals during the school holiday season, with over 100,000 visitors travelling to Langkawi by ferry since December 20. 

Langkawi International Airport general manager Che Sulaiman Che Pa had confirmed the increase in air travel arrivals since December 1, with the airport handling 3,900 to 4,900 passengers daily across 27 to 31 flights — a jump from the previous 2,800 to 4,000 passengers and 21 to 29 flights.

-nst online.

Ketibaan pelancong dari China ke Malaysia meningkat 130.9 peratus pada 2024

 

Ketibaan pelancong dari China ke Malaysia meningkat kepada 3,725,894 pada 2024, dengan peningkatan memberangsangkan sebanyak 130.9 peratus tahun ke tahun. - Foto Facebook MAHB

KUALA LUMPUR: Ketibaan pelancong dari China ke Malaysia meningkat kepada 3,725,894 pada 2024, dengan peningkatan memberangsangkan sebanyak 130.9 peratus tahun ke tahun, menurut Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia.

Peningkatan ini, didorong oleh kesinambungan dasar bebas visa untuk warga China sehingga Disember 2026 dan peningkatan kesalinghubungan udara, dijangka mempercepat pertumbuhan, lapor agensi berita Xinhua memetik kenyataan kementerian itu.

Membina pertumbuhan kukuh ini, China Eastern Airlines melancarkan penerbangan sulungnya yang menghubungkan Xi'an, ibu kota Wilayah Shaanxi di barat laut China, ke Kuala Lumpur, melalui bandar raya Kunming di barat daya China, pada Ahad.

"Xi'an berfungsi sebagai hab bandar yang penting di barat laut China, menyaksikan pertumbuhan penduduk yang pesat, terutamanya dalam kalangan keluarga kelas menengah dengan peningkatan pendapatan boleh guna.

"Demografi ini berkemungkinan mempunyai sumber untuk melancong ke luar negara yang menjadikan mereka antara sasaran utama untuk kempen pelancongan," menurut kenyataan itu.

-berita harian online.

Festive welcome: KKIA celebrates CNY with tourists

 

KOTA KINABALU: The Chinese New Year (CNY) festivities brought a lively atmosphere to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) as Tourism Malaysia hosted a series of fun-filled events to mark the occasion, welcoming both airport staff and passengers yesterday.

Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Haryanty Abu Bakar said the initiative aimed to offer travellers a unique experience while promoting Malaysia's cultural diversity, especially as the country gears up for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. "Today (yesterday), we anticipate the arrival of approximately 5,039 passengers in Kota Kinabalu from morning until evening.

"As part of this celebration, we are distributing mandarin oranges to arriving travellers to enhance the festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year. "In addition, we are showcasing cultural performances, including the lion dance, as a way to highlight Malaysia's rich and diverse cultural heritage.

"Earlier, you also witnessed the 'yee sang' ceremony, which is another symbolic tradition of the Chinese New Year celebration," she said when met at the airport.

As of around noon, approximately 1,200 passengers had arrived and received mandarin oranges, which were met with enthusiastic responses, she said.

Tourism Malaysia Sabah collaborated with various stakeholders, including KKIA Senior Airport Manager Jefry Ramli, Sabah Tourism Board Marketing Manager Bobby Alex @ William, as well as representatives from airlines and related agencies.

The Chinese New Year celebration at KKIA was part of a larger nationwide effort, with similar welcoming events held at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA-1 and KLIA-2), Penang International Airport, and Kuching International Airport.

Malaysia's tourism industry has shown remarkable growth in recent years. In 2024, the country recorded 38 million visitor arrivals, marking a 31.1 per cent increase compared to 2023, with tourism receipts reaching RM102.2 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 25.3 per cent.

China remains a key tourist-generating market, particularly following the implementation of a 30-day visa exemption under the Visa Liberalisation Plan in December 2023. Since then, Chinese tourist arrivals have surged nearly 3,000 per cent, totalling 4.1 million visitors.

-nst online.

Sabah sees 'significant increase' in tourist arrivals, especially from China

 

KOTA KINABALU: International tourist arrivals to Sabah, especially from China, have significantly increased, says Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.

From January to November last year, there were 2.8 million visitor arrivals, marking a remarkable 22.7 per cent increase compared with 2023. "This resurgence has brought us to 76 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, a testament to our resilience and commitment to revitalising this crucial sector.

"Our domestic arrivals rose by 7.1 per cent , while international arrivals demonstrated robust growth of 57.1 per cent," she said during the Tourism Insights Day at Sabah Tourism Board office here.

In 2023, there were 64,115 China tourists that came to Sabah between January and October. In the same period last year, the number surged to 410,046.

Despite the achievement, Liew said the challenges remained in markets like South Korea, Singapore and Australia, where softer demand had been observed.

"Addressing these fluctuations will require collaborative and innovative strategies. "With 164 international flights weekly, Sabah connects directly to 20 destinations worldwide.

"The addition of new routes in January and February this year, such as Singapore to Tawau and Tokyo to Kota Kinabalu, exemplifies the fruitful collaborations between the Sabah Tourism Board and airline partners.

"These connections not only enhance accessibility but also strengthen Sabah's position as a preferred destination for global travellers."

Liew also said that the tourism sector contributed RM13.1 billion to Sabah's gross domestic product in 2023, employing over 362,700 individuals.

She added that by harnessing data and technology, particularly through the Sabah Regional Tourism Satellite Account, it would provide valuable insights for decision-making. "Leveraging such data, combined with advancements in digital marketing and smart tourism, will position Sabah at the forefront of the tourism industry.

"To add value to the tourism insights under the RTSA, the ministry has developed the Tourism Analytics Dashboard Portal Platform in close collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB).

"This significant initiative is designed to transform the way we gather and analyze critical data on tourism in Sabah," she said.

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Conditions pave the way for more Chinese travellers to Penang

 

The ongoing visa-free entry for Chinese tourists to Malaysia, introduced in December 2023, combined with a gradual improvement in air connectivity between Chinese cities and the Malaysian state of Penang, has led to a remarkable surge in Chinese arrivals.

Last year, Penang International Airport (PIA) recorded 120,245 Chinese tourist arrivals, the highest annual figure to date. This far surpassed the pre-pandemic total of 66,854 arrivals from China in 2019, showcasing Penang’s strong recovery and growing appeal.

With 50 weekly flights between Chinese cities and Penang, China leads as Penang’s top medium-haul source market. Arrivals are expected to continue to grow through 2025 and 2026, bolstered by federal and state government efforts to promote the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign in China as well as to other main source markets.

According to Mint Leong, president of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, Penang’s diverse offerings, coupled with the convenience of direct flights, make it an irresistible destination.

“The capital, George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is complemented by a vibrant arts and culture scene, stunning beaches, and natural attractions. Penang is also renowned for its street food and Michelin-starred restaurants,” she said.

Leong added that Penang continually rejuvenates itself with new attractions, thus ensuring something fresh for repeat visitors to discover.

She said: “Recent additions include Ferringhi Bay and the world’s first biofluorescent garden, Biofluorescent Odyssey in Entopia Penang. March will see two new attractions, Penang History Museum and Penang River Cruise. These new experiences make it easy to promote Penang as a standalone four- or five-day holiday destination for the Chinese leisure and bleisure segments.”

To further capitalise on the strength of the destination, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) is working to promote medical tourism and education tourism niches to the Chinese market.

PGT CEO, Ooi Chok Yan, highlighted Penang’s edge in attracting Chinese medical tourists. “Medical treatments in Penang are significantly more affordable compared to similar treatments in China.

“Since 2023, we’ve actively promoted medical tourism in China, emphasising the cost advantages of cosmetic surgery, dental care, and health screenings. Our internationally accredited hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by professionals fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and other Chinese dialects. This ensures smooth communication and provides cultural familiarity, easing patients’ anxieties.”

Education tourism is another niche that has gained traction among the Chinese. Ooi elaborated: “Chinese students often visit Penang for short English courses or school trips, while corporations send employees for basic English training. The combination of high-quality education, affordable living costs, and rich cultural experiences makes Penang an attractive choice for these programmes.”

-TTG Asia.

Perak records 8.4 million tourists last year

 

IPOH: Perak attracted 8.4 million tourists throughout last year, surpassing the state government's target of 8.35 million in conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2024.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that, according to Tourism Malaysia data up to September last year, 627,292 international tourists had visited the state.

He said the figure represents a 135 per cent increase in tourists compared to the Visit Perak Year 2017 campaign.

Saarani said this achievement reflects the right direction of all efforts to promote Perak as a tourist destination.

"Ipoh and Pangkor Island continue to be the main attractions, but what caught our attention is the extraordinary success achieved by the Larut, Matang, and Selama districts.

"This district recorded 1,050,144 visitors, making it the third-highest district in Perak regarding tourist arrivals.

"This increase proves that the tourism sector not only benefits urban areas but also brings economic opportunities to rural and suburban areas rich in uniqueness and heritage," he said in his speech at the Finale of Visit Perak Year 2024 held at Sultan Azlan Shah Roundabout here, last night.

Saarani said this success would not have been possible without the efforts and cooperation of various parties, including government agencies, particularly Tourism Perak, industry players, and the people.

"You have all indirectly become tourism ambassadors for the state.

"Every social media post, every photo shared, and every positive experience you spread helps introduce Perak to the world," he said.

Saarani also launched the logo for the "Coffee Trails of Perak" package.

Also present was the state Tourism, Industry, Investment, and Corridor Development committee chairman Loh Sze Yee.

The event, held in conjunction with the New Year's Eve celebration, was enlivened by cultural dance performances featuring various ethnic groups and highlighted performances by renowned singers Tomok and Ramlah Ram.

Saarani, along with more than 35,000 visitors, counted down to midnight, marked by a fireworks display to welcome the New Year 2025.

-nst online.