StarCruises, Golden Destinations perkasa Pelabuhan Klang sebagai hab pelayaran serantau

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Kerjasama strategik antara jenama pelayaran StarCruises dan Golden Destinations Group Bhd dijangka memperkukuh kedudukan Pelabuhan Klang sebagai antara hab pelayaran utama di rantau ini. 

Inisiatif memperkasakan ekonomi pelancongan itu direalisasikan menerusi pemeteraian Memorandum Persefahaman (MOU) antara kedua-dua pihak sempena pembukaan rasmi acara CruiseWorld Malaysia 2026 di Kuala Lumpur, hari ini. 

Majlis pemeteraian MOU itu disaksikan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, yang mencerminkan sokongan kerajaan terhadap usaha memperkukuh industri pelancongan pelayaran negara. 

Turut hadir ialah Presiden StarDream Cruises, Michael Goh dan Pengarah Urusan Golden Destinations Group Bhd, Mita Lim.

Menerusi perjanjian berkenaan, Golden Destinations akan menyewa khas kapal Star Voyager bagi siri lima pelayaran istimewa yang berlepas dari Pelabuhan Klang. 

Kesemua pelayaran sewaan khas itu dijadualkan berlangsung sepanjang musim cuti persekolahan bermula 5 hingga 22 Disember 2026.

Pakej pelayaran berkenaan menawarkan pilihan perjalanan selama dua malam dan tiga malam dengan destinasi utama melibatkan Phuket serta Krabi di Thailand. 

Program sewaan khas itu dilaksanakan bagi memenuhi permintaan yang semakin meningkat terhadap percutian pelayaran dalam kalangan pelancong tempatan, sekali gus menyokong pertumbuhan sektor pelancongan pelayaran negara. 

Menurut kenyataan media, kerjasama itu menggabungkan kekuatan kedua-dua pihak melalui rangkaian pengedaran perjalanan Golden Destinations yang meluas serta pengalaman pelayaran StarCruises yang kukuh. 

"Dengan menggabungkan rangkaian pengedaran perjalanan Golden Destinations yang meluas bersama pengalaman pelayaran StarCruises yang mantap, kerjasama ini bertujuan menjadikan percutian pelayaran lebih mudah diakses," katanya. 

Akses lebih luas itu menyasarkan penyertaan pelbagai segmen pelanggan termasuk keluarga Malaysia, pelancong santai, kumpulan korporat serta pengembara acara Mesyuarat, Insentif, Persidangan dan Pameran (MICE). 

Susulan pengumuman berkenaan, tempahan pelayaran khas kapal Star Voyager kini dibuka menerusi rangkaian rakan kongsi perjalanan dan ejen sah Golden Destinations di seluruh negara. 

Pihak syarikat menggalakkan pelanggan membuat tempahan lebih awal berikutan permintaan dijangka meningkat menjelang musim cuti persekolahan Disember 2026.

-berita harian online.

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.

Malaysia strikes a chord as regional concert hub with RM1.72 billion boost

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is steadily cementing its position as a regional concert and events hub, with more than 450 events staged nationwide last year. 

These were reported to have generated nearly RM1.72 billion, providing a significant boost to the country's tourism sector. 

The achievement was shared by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil in a recent Facebook post, highlighting the growing importance of live entertainment in driving economic activity and attracting international attention. 

Fahmi said the milestone reflects the immense potential of the live entertainment industry as a catalyst for economic growth, while also stimulating tourism and related support sectors. 

"Overall, Malaysia's cultural and creative industry contributes around 6.8 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), equivalent to more than RM130 billion," he said. 

"This year, we are targeting even higher achievements."

He added that initiatives such as the Concert and Event in Malaysia Incentive (CEMI) have been introduced to attract international artistes, draw in tourists and expand the broader industry ecosystem. 

Meanwhile, Fahmi revealed that the ministry will propose additional support for event organisers to the Cabinet, following the extension of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign through 2027. 

He stressed that the move is crucial in strengthening Malaysia's standing as a leading destination for large-scale events in the region, particularly as competition intensifies among neighbouring countries. 

At the same time, Fahmi underscored the growing role of the creative economy as a key pillar of the nation's future, driven largely by the younger generation. 

"To Malaysian youths building careers in this field, the government believes in your talent and capabilities," he said. 

"The creative economy is no longer a peripheral sector — it is a vital force shaping the nation's future."

-nst online.

Travel Malaysia Fair @ Singapore Expo, Hall 6A ( 10 ~ 12 April 2026 )

 

1 Day To Go — See You Tomorrow!

The wait is almost over! Travel Malaysia Fair 2026 is happening TOMORROW!

Get ready to discover exclusive travel deals, special packages & unbeatable offers — all in one place!

Your next getaway starts here:

> Bus tickets & hotel deals at special rates

> Limited-time travel packages

> Family-friendly attractions & experiences

> Direct deals from top travel brands

Plan your trip, bring your travel kakis & come early for the best deals!

Venue: Singapore Expo, Hall 6A

Date: 10 – 12 April 2026

Time: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Don’t miss out — your Malaysia adventure begins tomorrow!

-Travel Malaysia Fair.

Tourism Malaysia Enhances Arrival Experience With Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations For Visit Malaysia 2026

 

SEPANG — In conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, Tourism Malaysia today welcomed both domestic and international visitors with a vibrant Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations across nine airports nationwide. The main celebration was held at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1, alongside simultaneous welcoming ceremonies at eight other airports across Selangor, Penang, Johor, Kedah, Perak, Sabah, and Sarawak. 

The welcoming ceremony was officiated by YBrs. Mr. Chua Choon Hwa, Deputy Secretary General (Tourism) of MOTAC at KLIA Terminal 1. Also present were YBrs. Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia and YBrs. Mr. Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia. 

Following the Chinese New Year celebrations last February, this series of cultural festivities continues to showcase the richness and harmony of Malaysia’s multicultural society. Visitors were warmly welcomed with festive souvenirs at the Arrival Hall and invited to savour traditional Hari Raya Aidilfitri delicacies, reflecting the nation’s signature hospitality and vibrant cultural heritage that define the Malaysia Truly Asia experience. 

The atmosphere was further enlivened by Aidilfitri-themed Malay cultural performances while the VM2026 mascots, Wira and Manja, made special appearances to delight visitors. Highlights of this event included a traditional kacau dodol demonstration, also known as the stirring of a sweet toffee-like delicacy, alongside a buka lemang gimmick, one of Malaysia’s cherished traditional dishes. 

This programme was successfully delivered through strategic collaboration with various stakeholders including ministries and agencies under MOTAC, airlines, corporate sponsors and tourism industry associations. Participating partners included Malaysia Airport Sdn. Bhd, Batik Air, QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd, Spritzer Berhad, Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang, LaKanVo Premium, Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn. Bhd., BOH Plantations Sdn Bhd, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Watson Personal Care Stores Sdn. Bhd., Gamuda Berhad, Grab Holdings Limited, Oriental Kopi Holdings Berhad, Photobook Worldwide, Vanzo Holdings Berhad, Fiscor Food Sdn. Bhd., My Blockchain Infrastructure Sdn. Bhd., Zus Coffee, TBH Wellness Sdn. Bhd., Kek Lapis Warisan Sdn. Bhd, Kraftangan Malaysia dan Borneo Empurau Farm & Resort. 

Their participation reflects strong collective support in promoting Malaysia’s tourism industry and enhancing the overall visitor experience in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. 

Malaysia’s main entry point, KLIA is expected to receive a significant surge of visitors amidst the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri this morning. With approximately 28 flights carrying an estimated 5,000 passengers across regions including Singapore, Jakarta, Manila, Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Perth, Dubai, Brunei and Istanbul, the projected arrival statistics align with the momentum of the actively promoted Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. 

Organising Malaysian festive celebrations at airports is among Tourism Malaysia's ongoing strategies under the VM2026 campaign to provide a meaningful arrival experience, strengthen destination branding and promote Malaysia as a culturally rich and safe destination year-round. This initiative at international gateways plays a crucial role in leaving a positive impression on visitors and encouraging repeat visits. 

Tourism Malaysia continues to strengthen the country's global tourism profile while celebrating Malaysia's cultural diversity in line with the objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) and supporting the long-term sustainable development of the tourism sector.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Hari Raya travel drives 33 per cent rise in Singapore outbound trips: Trip.com

 

Shanghai, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, pictured, are among the top destinations for Singapore travellers during the Hari Raya travel period

During the Hari Raya Puasa holiday period, with bookings rising by 33 per cent year-on-year, according to Trip.com data. 

The figures cover travel between March 20 and 29, 2026, compared with March 28 to April 6, 2025. Short- and medium-haul destinations in Asia-Pacific remained the preferred choice, with Shanghai, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur ranking as the most popular cities.

Shanghai emerged as the top destination this year, while Manila moved up to fourth place from seventh in 2025. Other destinations in the top 10 include Tokyo, Taipei, Seoul, Bali, Hong Kong and Penang. 

Medium-haul flights accounted for 70 per cent of bookings, followed by shorthaul flights at 24 per cent and longhaul travel at six per cent. 

Younger travellers were a key driver of demand, with Gen Z and millennials accounting for a large share of outbound bookings. 

Inbound travel to Singapore also increased by 12 per cent during the same period. China, Malaysia and Thailand remained the largest source markets, while Germany, the US and Turkey recorded the fastest growth. 

Visitors were drawn to attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore, Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, reflecting demand for a mix of entertainment and nature-based experiences. 

Edmund Ong, general manager, Trip.com Singapore noted: “As Singaporeans take time to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa, many are also seizing the opportunity to travel abroad. The desire to venture abroad during the key festive seasons also reflects Singaporeans’ desire to create memorable shared moments through travel.”

-TTG Asia.

Rakyat Malaysia belanja RM121 bilion melancong dalam negara tahun lalu

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Perbelanjaan pelancongan domestik Malaysia meningkat 12.4 peratus pada suku tahun keempat 2025 kepada RM32.6 bilion, menjadikan jumlah keseluruhan tahunan sebanyak RM121 bilion, demikian menurut Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia (DOSM). 

Prestasi itu mencerminkan momentum pertumbuhan sektor pelancongan domestik yang terus kukuh, disokong permintaan dalam negara serta peningkatan aktiviti perjalanan bermusim, khususnya ketika cuti sekolah dan musim perayaan. 

Bilangan pelawat domestik turut meningkat kepada 74 juta pada suku berkenaan, naik 10.8 peratus tahun ke tahun, manakala secara suku ke suku mencatatkan pertumbuhan 2.0 peratus berbanding suku ketiga 2025. 

Ketua Perangkawan Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, berkata peningkatan aktiviti perjalanan dalam kalangan rakyat tempatan menjadi pemacu utama prestasi sektor itu.

Beliau berkata, perbelanjaan lebih tinggi bagi penginapan, makanan dan minuman, pengangkutan serta aktiviti runcit turut menyumbang kepada pengukuhan sektor pelancongan domestik.  

"Indikator industri berkaitan pelancongan menunjukkan trend sejajar apabila ketibaan penumpang domestik di lapangan terbang meningkat 17.9 peratus tahun ke tahun, manakala jualan runcit bahan api automotif berkembang 7.1 peratus, mencerminkan mobiliti yang lebih tinggi.

"Subsektor penginapan juga mencatatkan prestasi memberangsangkan dengan hasil meningkat 14.7 peratus tahun ke tahun, selain kadar penghunian hotel yang bertambah merentasi semua kategori. 

"Bagi keseluruhan tahun 2025, jumlah pelawat domestik mencecah 290.1 juta, meningkat 11.5 peratus berbanding 260.1 juta pada 2024," katanya dalam satu kenyataan. 

Mohd Uzir menambah, perbelanjaan pelancongan domestik pula mencatatkan pertumbuhan 13.3 peratus tahun ke tahun kepada RM121 bilion, sekali gus mencerminkan peningkatan sumbangan sektor itu kepada ekonomi domestik. 

"Secara keseluruhan, sektor pelancongan domestik terus menjadi antara pemacu utama pertumbuhan ekonomi negara, selain menyokong perusahaan mikro, kecil dan sederhana (PMKS) serta memperkukuh daya tahan ekonomi," katanya.

-berita harian online.

Malaysia expands halal tourism strategy into spa and wellness sector

 

Malaysia has taken a strategic step to extend its leadership in the global halal ecosystem into the spa and wellness sector, with the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) and the Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA) at ITB Berlin. 

The collaboration will see ITC roll out a structured Muslim-Friendly Spa Guideline and Training Programme to 100 AMSPA members through dedicated training modules, capacity-building programmes and a formal recognition framework. 

A press release jointly issued by ITC and AMSPA stated: “The programme is conceived to introduce authentic Malaysian spa and wellness offerings to attract more tourists to Malaysia in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. 

“It also signals Malaysia’s intent to strengthen standards within the halal wellness segment while positioning the country as a reference point for destinations seeking to tap into the growing Muslim travel market.” 

The MoU was signed by ITC director-general Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan and AMSPA president Selinastein Mohd Rashid. Minister of tourism, arts and culture Tiong King Sing witnessed the signing, signalling his support for the development of Muslim-friendly spa and wellness offerings. 

ITC formulated the spa and wellness guidelines jointly with the Islamic Science University of Malaysia and AMSPA, benchmarking them against the SMIIC Halal Spa Standards adopted at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation level. It forms one of ITC’s key offerings under the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition programme, which also includes guidelines for Muslim-friendly tourist accommodation premises and travel operating businesses. 

By introducing structured guidelines and training tailored specifically for spa operators, ITC aims to provide clear direction to the industry on service delivery and operational considerations. It also addresses privacy standards and guest experience enhancements that cater to Muslim travellers while remaining inclusive and commercially viable for the wider market. 

Mohammad Faisal commented: “This collaboration marks an important milestone in strengthening Malaysia’s halal ecosystem through tourism. 

“Wellness and spa services are part of the whole travel experience. By developing practical guidelines and training programmes, we are not only enhancing service quality but also building industry confidence in serving the Muslim market in a structured and professional manner.” 

He said tourism plays a unique role within the halal economy as an integrator of multiple sectors. 

“When travellers visit a destination, they engage with accommodation, retail, food services, financial services and wellness offerings. Ensuring that these components work cohesively strengthens the overall tourism experience,” he added.

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia raih 'dividen keamanan' sektor pelancongan - Penganalisis

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia secara tidak langsung sedang menikmati manfaat berskala besar dalam sektor pelancongan domestik susulan ketegangan geopolitik yang melanda beberapa negara di Asia. 

BIMB Securities Research berkata lonjakan luar biasa ketibaan pelancong asing itu boleh disifatkan sebagai 'dividen keamanan' yang memacu pemulihan industri secara tidak dijangka. 

Menurutnya, dalam landskap serantau yang semakin dipengaruhi pergeseran geopolitik dan kebimbangan keselamatan, Malaysia secara tidak sengaja meletakkan dirinya sebagai destinasi neutral, selamat dan kompetitif dari segi harga. 

Pasaran pelancong antarabangsa utama seperti China, katanya, menyaksikan perubahan ketara dalam pemilihan destinasi percutian apabila pelancong mengelak negara tradisional seperti Jepun, Korea Selatan dan beberapa wilayah Barat susulan ketegangan diplomatik.

Pada masa sama, destinasi bajet popular ASEAN seperti Thailand dan Kemboja masih berdepan cabaran reputasi keselamatan.  

"Kejayaan Malaysia mengekalkan imej selamat turut diperkukuh oleh ketiadaan insiden penculikan berprofil tinggi, menjadikannya destinasi pilihan bagi keluarga dan pengembara solo wanita," katanya dalam nota penyelidikan.

Mengulas lanjut, BIMB Securities Research berkata peningkatan kemasukan pelancong itu turut memberi limpahan positif kepada ekonomi domestik, termasuk pembelian barangan perhiasan emas tulen secara besar-besaran dalam kalangan pengembara elit Asia Selatan. 

Menurutnya, aliran pendapatan berterusan itu dipacu ketegangan antara India dan Bangladesh yang mengganggu perjalanan rentas sempadan, sekali gus mengalihkan tumpuan pelancong elit ke Malaysia. 

"Momentum ini turut memacu sektor penerbangan komersial, dengan syarikat seperti AirAsia X dijangka mencatat rekod penumpang tertinggi menjelang Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026. 

"Situasi ini juga dijangka mewujudkan aliran imbangan perjalanan tunai bersih yang berlebihan, menyumbang kepada kestabilan dan potensi pengukuhan nilai ringgit," katanya. 

BIMB Securities Research menegaskan limpahan ekonomi daripada ketibaan pelancong elit itu membuktikan Malaysia berjaya memanfaatkan kedudukan strategik serta imej keselamatan bagi terus merangsang pertumbuhan, khususnya dalam sektor pelancongan dan perdagangan domestik.

-berita harian online.

AI training to boost Malaysia’s small inbound operators

 

The Consortium of Inbound Tourism Alliance (CINTA) is working with industry partners to support small travel companies and product owners in Malaysia through AI-driven tourism training. 

The initiative aims to help participants build their own online platforms, complete with booking engines and payment gateways, while leveraging AI tools to manage enquiries more efficiently and facilitate seamless payment processing. 

CINTA chairman Uzaidi Udanis stated the six-month training programme, which began recently, is being conducted in collaboration with Asnirez, Viator’s official connectivity partner, and Malaysia Airlines Academy. 

He noted that the fully independent traveller (FIT) segment remains a largely untapped market for many local operators. 

He said: “When a travel agent receives an overseas enquiry for 40 passengers compared with one for three passengers, who do you think they will prioritise? The time spent preparing quotations is the same, but the profit margins are very different.” 

The programme, which includes both physical and online classes, has attracted 600 participants and is designed to equip them with the skills to become digital entrepreneurs, moving beyond the traditional role of service providers. Through innovative training, AI-powered tools and direct access to global marketplaces, participants are guided to develop their own bookable products, build destination brands and position themselves as inbound tourism leaders. 

Uzaidi added that the programme aligns closely with the objectives of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which is focused on driving sustainable growth in arrivals, yield and geographic dispersal. By enhancing the digital and product development capabilities of small tour operators and product owners, the initiative supports national efforts to encourage longer stays and channel visitor spend towards community-based and experience-led tourism offerings across Malaysia. 

Uzaidi said: “If we believe the industry can do more than just sell hotels and transport, then this is where the opportunity lies. By creating unique, bookable experiences that place local stories, culture and communities, we can unlock greater value from FIT travel while strengthening Malaysia’s destination appeal.” 

He added that growing regional interest signals the programme’s relevance beyond Malaysia. Individual agents from Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam and the Philippines have already expressed interest, and Uzaidi said CINTA is exploring plans to replicate the initiative in other markets.

-TTG Asia.

PM: Malaysia eyes green, world-class tourism

 

image: UN Tourism

MELAKA: Malaysia is committed to developing a world-class, sustainable and resilient tourism industry by prioritising environmental preservation and empowering communities, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 

He said the nation's biodiversity and unique strengths must be harnessed to attract global visitors without harming natural heritage. 

"Malaysia is one of 12 mega-biodiversity countries in the world, with more than 15,000 plant species, 175,000 fauna species, tropical rainforests, mangroves and coral reefs. 

"Protecting the environment is a global trust, and when ecosystems thrive, they become natural attractions for tourists." 

His speech was delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof at the launch of World Tourism Day and the 7th World Tourism Conference in Banda Hilir here. 

Present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; and UN World Tourism Organisation secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili.

Anwar said nature-based tourism remains a priority, along with adventure, Muslim-friendly, medical and wellness tourism. 

He added that educational travel, business events and digital nomad hubs are potential growth areas. 

The government is promoting recycling models and revenue-sharing mechanisms to channel tourism earnings back into maintaining infrastructure and ecosystems, he added. 

On carbon emissions, he said aviation accounts for nearly half of the global tourism industry's direct emissions. 

"Malaysia's first biomass-based sustainable aviation fuel plant is expected to begin operations in 2027, creating green industries and jobs." 

Anwar said that empowering grassroots communities is central to sustainable tourism. 

He cited Batu Puteh in Sabah and Mersing in Johor as examples of successful eco-tourism and coastal tourism initiatives supported by government, non-governmental organisations and international partners. 

"As Asean chair in 2025, Malaysia will push for smoother travel, harmonised standards and stronger regional sustainability frameworks," he said.

-nst online.

Trip.com grows Malaysia support hub amid regional expansion

 

Trip.com has expanded its Malaysia Customer Support Center, two years after it was first established, making it a key hub in the company’s regional operations. 

The company has about 16,000 representatives across 16 support centres worldwide, providing 24/7 multilingual customer support. Most calls and chats related to flights and hotels are answered within 30 seconds.

The expanded centre handles 24/7 customer service, responding to most flight and hotel queries within 30 seconds

Since its establishment in 2023, the Malaysia Customer Support Center has grown tenfold and now supports a range of Trip.com products, playing a critical role in the platform’s regional operations. 

Ninety per cent of customer after-sales requests received responses within 30 minutes to one hour, with more than 85 per cent of incidents resolved on the first attempt. Trip.com currently holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.4 out of 5. 

Trip.com Group, founded 25 years ago, has prioritised a balance of technological innovation and human service. The expansion of the Malaysia Customer Support Center is part of the group’s regional growth strategy. 

“Automation enhances speed and efficiency, but at Trip.com we never lose sight of the human touch,” said Arvin Singh, senior service manager of Trip.com Malaysia. “As a fully Malaysian team, we have the expertise – from local languages to cultural nuances – needed to better understand our customers and their needs. By combining this with cutting-edge technology, we’re able to provide personalised, effective solutions and help our customers feel truly supported.” 

Stephane Thong, general manager of Trip.com Malaysia, said, “Malaysia and South-east Asia are among our most important markets, contributing to the company’s steady growth performance. Expanding our customer service operations here reflects our long-term vision of making Malaysia a hub not only for customer support, but in driving travel innovation, talent development, and collaboration with local industry partners. We see tremendous potential in strengthening the local tourism ecosystem, attracting more international visitors, and ensuring that every traveller who engages with Trip.com enjoys a seamless and memorable journey.” 

She added: “With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 just around the corner, Trip.com remains strongly committed to supporting the country’s tourism ambitions. Through our platform, we aim to amplify Malaysia’s visibility on the global stage and enhance the travel experience for all.”

-TTG Asia.