Domestic tourism in Malaysia grew 11.5% in 2025, with 290.1 million visitors generating RM121 billion in expenditure, driven by holiday travel

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s domestic tourism sector maintained strong growth in 2025, recording 290.1 million visitors.

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the figure represents an 11.5% increase from the 260.1 million visitors recorded in 2024.

Domestic tourism expenditure for the year amounted to RM121.0 billion, marking a robust 13.3% year-on-year growth.

“Overall, Malaysia’s domestic tourism sector continues to function as a key pillar of economic growth,” Mohd Uzir said in a statement.

He added that the sustained growth underscores the sector’s role in strengthening domestic demand and supporting small businesses.

The findings are from the Bulletin of Malaysia’s Domestic Tourism Survey, Fourth Quarter 2025, published by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

In the fourth quarter alone, domestic visitors reached 74.0 million, a 10.8% increase year-on-year.

Quarterly domestic tourism expenditure was RM32.6 billion, rising 12.4% compared to the same period in 2024.

The stronger performance was driven by increased travel during school holidays and the year-end festive season.

This sustained demand supported higher spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and retail.

Supporting indicators showed domestic airport arrivals rose 17.9% year-on-year in the quarter.

Retail sales of automotive fuel increased by 7.1%, reflecting higher mobility and travel-related consumption.

“The Accommodation subsector also recorded solid performance, with revenue expanding by 14.7% year-on-year,” Mohd Uzir added.

He noted that hotel occupancy rates improved across all categories, signalling stronger demand for accommodation services.

 The Sun Malaysia