The Rise of Domestic Tourism in Malaysia
In the second quarter of 2024, domestic tourism in Malaysia has experienced a significant uptick compared to the same period last year. Despite this growth, overall numbers still fall short of pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to data from the Statistics Department.
Key Statistics
- Total local tourists in Q2 2024: 64.8 million, a 23.8% increase from Q2 2023
- Domestic tourist expenditure: RM28.1 billion, up by 28.6%
- Domestic visitor arrivals in 2023: 213.7 million, a 24.6% increase from 2022
- Domestic tourism receipts in 2023: RM84.9 billion, a 32.5% rise from the previous year
Impact of the Pandemic
While domestic tourism has shown strong growth in recent years, it is important to note that compared to pre-pandemic levels, there is still a gap. Total domestic arrivals were 10.6% lower in 2023 than in 2019, and receipts declined by 17.7% during the same period.
Regional Highlights
All states in Malaysia recorded significant increases in tourism volume and receipts, with Selangor leading in domestic tourism receipts, followed by Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, and Pahang.
Driving Factors
Shopping remains a key driver of tourism receipts in Malaysia, contributing a substantial amount to the overall expenditure. Additionally, spending on food and beverages, accommodation, and automotive fuel play significant roles in shaping the domestic tourism landscape.
Travel Patterns
The main purpose of domestic overnight trips for most states was visiting relatives and friends, except for Labuan, where holiday and leisure travel were more prevalent. The national average length of stay (ALOS) was 2.45 nights, with several states exceeding this average, such as Sarawak, Kelantan, and Labuan.
Demographic Insights
Based on the social and demographic profile of domestic tourists, certain states attract visitors from households with varying income levels. Nine states, including Johor, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur, see a higher number of visitors from households earning between RM5,001 and RM10,000 per month, while others cater to those earning between RM1,001 and RM3,000 per month.
Overall, the rise in domestic tourism in Malaysia reflects a positive trend in the recovery of the tourism sector. As the country continues to navigate the effects of the pandemic, monitoring these trends will be crucial for shaping future tourism strategies and driving economic growth.