Malaysia’s tourism recovery has entered a new phase of growth and ambition, as the country records a historic surge in Indonesian tourist arrivals and launches an aggressive campaign ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.

Speaking at a high-profile media briefing held at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta on 15 April 2025, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, announced that Malaysia welcomed over 4.1 million Indonesian tourists in 2024, marking a 19.1% increase from the previous year. This milestone cements Indonesia as Malaysia’s second-largest source market for international tourists.

The momentum has carried into 2025, with 774,994 arrivals from Indonesia recorded in February alone, a 14.8% year-on-year growth for that month. This surge plays a significant role in Malaysia’s overall tourism rebound, which saw 38 million international arrivals in 2024, generating RM106.7 billion in tourism receipts.

A major enabler of this growth is the robust air connectivity between both nations. Currently, there are 591 weekly flights linking Malaysia and Indonesia, offering more than 106,000 seats, streamlining travel and opening more doors for cross-border tourism.

Looking ahead, Malaysia is gearing up for its most ambitious tourism campaign yet—Visit Malaysia 2026—with goals to attract 45 million international tourists and generate RM270 billion in revenue. The campaign will spotlight Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, offering travelers deeper, more meaningful experiences that extend beyond the typical tourist trail.

As part of its intensified engagement with the Indonesian market, Tourism Malaysia mounted a strong promotional blitz in April 2025. A 60-member Malaysian tourism delegation, comprising 38 organizations including travel agents, hoteliers, resorts, and the Malaysian Homestay Association, participated in 12 strategic business sessions with key stakeholders across Indonesia’s travel trade.

Adding a delicious layer to the campaign, Tourism Malaysia partnered with Marriott Bonvoy to host a special Malaysian culinary showcase across four Indonesian cities. Eight renowned Malaysian chefs presented exclusive dining experiences at luxury hotels such as JW Marriott Medan, Yogyakarta Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta Mega Kuningan, and Sheraton Surabaya, allowing guests to experience the vibrant flavors of Malaysia.

This comprehensive approach not only highlights the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations but also caters to the rising demand among Indonesian travellers for authentic, experience-driven holidays in Malaysia.

As the countdown to Visit Malaysia 2026 begins, Malaysia is well on track to reclaim its position as one of Southeast Asia’s top tourist destinations.