Tourism Malaysia reports 28.8 million international arrivals Jan–Aug, sector shows steady growth

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 — Malaysia's tourism industry witnessed a 1.8 per cent increase in international visitors from January to August 2026, welcoming 28.8 million tourists compared to the same period last year, according to Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (promotion) Mohd Akbal Setia. The rise highlights the enduring allure of Malaysia as a top tourist destination and the significance of expanding international tourism ties.

This growth is especially noteworthy as Malaysia continues to propel its tourism sector under the ambitious Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 campaign, which Mohd Akbal highlighted during his speech at the opening of the International Tourism, Arts and Culture Exhibition and Conference (INTACT) 2026, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

He underscored the critical role of tourism as a major economic driver, contributing over 15 per cent to Malaysia's GDP, and its ripple effects on diverse sectors, from hotels and e-hailing services to local artisans and family-run eateries. Concerning the INTACT event, Mohd Akbal noted its impressive turnout, with 154 exhibitors from 35 countries participating, marking its second edition and positioning it as a pivotal platform for the tourism, arts, and culture sectors.

The organisers and partners' dedication to making INTACT an international hub for cooperation in these fields was evident. Mohd Akbal urged all participants to leverage the exhibition to forge valuable business connections and explore enduring collaboration opportunities.