KUALA LUMPUR (March 11): The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture anticipates tourist arrivals in Malaysia to reach 27.3 million, with an expected income of RM102.7 billion, in 2024.

Responding to a query from Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau (Pakatan Harapan-Tuaran) during an oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday, Deputy Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said that in 2023, Malaysia recorded 20.1 million tourist arrivals, generating RM71.3 billion in tourism income.

Khairul said that the targets for 2025 are 31.4 million tourists, with an income of RM125.5 billion, and for 2026, the goal is 35.6 million tourists, generating RM147.1 billion.

In an effort to entice an increased number of international visitors to explore the country, Khairul said that several initiatives and strategies had been crafted, notably the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 representing the national focal point for tourism.

"The ministry needs solid support of the state governments, the national tourism industry, and the people in making thorough preparations to welcome the arrival of more foreign tourists to Malaysia," he added.

Khairul noted that the ministry is actively participating in international tourism exhibitions, such as the International Tourism Bourse Berlin, World Travel Market London, Arabian Travel Mart Dubai, and the Asean Tourism Forum, which is crucial amid fierce competition from other countries promoting their destinations in these major exhibitions.

In addition, Khairul said the ministry's focus is also on strengthening airline cooperation for expanded direct flights, and organising familiarisation programmes with media and tourism agencies to promote new tourism products and destinations.

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