Malaysia is expecting international arrival numbers for 2024 to exceed 27.3 million, generating RM102.7 billion in revenue. Now, after a standout year of growth, the nation’s tourism officials are looking to build on success. As part of wider preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), the country is targeting 35.6 million international tourist arrivals and RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts next year.
As Malaysia’s largest European source market, the UK remains key to delivering these targets. Nearly a quarter of a million (240,815) UK travellers came to Malaysia between January and August 2024, representing a 34.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
To further strengthen ties to the UK, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing recently completed an extensive working visit to the UK, which featured various high-level B2B networking events. Accompanied by Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, the Minister helped to showcase Malaysia’s various attractions, while also expanding the promotional networks that will help them fulfil their potential.
While in the UK, Malaysia’s delegation met with tour operators, travel agents and industry decision-makers, in order to build new collaborative networks and expand the reach of promotional activities to new traveller demographics. A feature of these meetings and networking events was the presentation of new tour packages and promotions which have been specially tailored to the UK market.
To support the Minister’s mission, Tourism Malaysia has also lined up a series of sales promotions in the UK, while simultaneously strengthening partnerships with UK-based travel agents and industry stakeholders. A so-called ‘mega familiarization trip’ is also being planned to enable UK trade professionals to experience Malaysia for themselves, thereby giving them with the knowledge and experience they need to promote the destination more effectively.
