Asia's most loved country sustains tourism growth thanks to Chinese arrivals

According to a report by Hong Leong Investment Bank, Malaysia received 10.1 million foreign visitors in the first quarter of this year, marking a 22% year-on-year increase and making it the most visited country in Southeast Asia.

Tourism receipts rose 24% year-on-year to 27.5 billion ringgit (US$6.5 billion), while the average spending per tourist increased to 4,300 ringgit.

"This can be attributed to the sharp spike in Chinese tourist arrivals during the first three months of the year," the bank noted.

Chinese tourists are known for their longer stays and higher spending in Malaysia, especially during the peak months of July and August.

Tourism Malaysia has set a target of 31.3 million tourist arrivals and 125.5 billion ringgit in receipts for 2025, reflecting projected year-on-year growth of 25% and 23%, respectively.

Malaysia, named Asia's most loved country in 2024 by the American finance website Insider Monkey, welcomed 3.29 million Chinese tourists last year, a significant increase from the previous year, making China the third-largest source of visitors after Singapore and Indonesia.