Malaysia’s domestic tourism scene is booming, with a record-breaking 66.8 million visitors in the fourth quarter of 2024 (4Q 2024) alone, pushing total expenditure up by 21.9% to a staggering RM29 billion, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

These figures, revealed in the latest Domestic Tourism Survey (DTS), show the sector’s unstoppable momentum, culminating in 260.1 million total visitors for the year — a 21.7% increase compared to 2023.

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin said domestic tourism spending hit RM107.2 billion for the year, marking an impressive 26.3% year-on-year growth and surpassing pre-pandemic benchmarks. In 2019, Malaysia welcomed 239.1 million domestic visitors who spent RM103.2 billion.

“Domestic tourism is on a strong upward trend, with key industries showing remarkable gains,” he noted.

Among the highlights:

    •    Zoo attractions saw a 15.6% surge in revenue, spotlighting the popularity of wildlife experiences.

    •    Automotive fuel sales jumped 6.7%, a reflection of increased road travel.

    •    Domestic airport arrivals rose 6.1%, signalling a vibrant air travel scene.

    •    Four-star hotel occupancy rose 5.9%, showing solid demand for luxury stays.

    •    Beach destinations saw a 12.1% rise in occupancy, while town areas experienced a 0.7% increase.

The broader economic picture also looked bright. The services sector expanded by 6.2%, thanks to a rise in retail, food, and beverage activity driven by increased travel. Land and air transport saw robust growth of 10% and 9.3%, respectively.

Looking ahead, Dr. Mohd Uzir is optimistic that strong consumer confidence, rising travel demand, and festive seasons will continue to drive Malaysia’s domestic tourism to greater heights.

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