The Sabah government has reiterated its commitment to cracking down on illegal tourism operators, including foreign nationals abusing visitor passes to run unlicensed businesses. State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Dr Andi Shamsureezal Mohd Saina said firm enforcement is necessary to protect legitimate local industry players. He noted that the state is working closely…
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s tourism sector recorded robust growth during the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays, with both inbound and outbound travel registering strong double-digit increases, reflecting sustained travel demand during the festive season. According to data released by Trip.com Group, outbound flight bookings by Malaysians surged 49% year-on-year, driven by a combination of the long…
IPOH: Perak continues to face challenges in attracting major international hotel brands, as most visitors to the state still prefer day trips over overnight stays. State Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said Perak is widely perceived as a stopover destination, with travellers often passing through without extending their visit….
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s private healthcare sector is fast cementing its position as a global medical tourism hub, drawing 1.84 million international patients and generating RM3.34 billion in revenue in 2025. What was once considered a niche segment has now become a key pillar of the country’s economic growth and global reputation, underpinned by high clinical…
GEORGE TOWN: A new chapter in Penang’s international connectivity has taken flight with the launch of the Penang-Kunming charter service, strengthening tourism, business and cultural ties between Malaysia and China. The initiative, highlighted during the Penang–Kunming Charter Flight and Tourism Product Promotion event at JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La, brings together industry players from both…
Japan’s tourism sector continues to show resilience, recording a new monthly high in March even as geopolitical tensions weigh on key visitor markets. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, the country welcomed 3.6 million international visitors in March, marking a 3.5% increase year-on-year and setting a new record for the month. The growth was…
CAPE TOWN: Africa’s tourism industry took a significant step forward with the staging of the Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC) 2026, which brought together investors, policymakers and industry leaders to chart a stronger, more sustainable future for the sector. Held on April 14 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the one-day conference formed part…
LENGGONG: The return of the ancient Perak Man skeleton to the Lenggong Valley Archaeological Gallery has significantly boosted tourism in the area, reinforcing its status as a key heritage destination in Malaysia. The approximately 11,000-year-old skeleton, previously kept by the National Heritage Department in Kuala Lumpur, has been on public display in Lenggong since July…
PENANG: Setia SPICE Convention Centre & Arena (Setia SPICE) has taken a decisive step forward in sustainable event management, turning food waste from its events into valuable resources through a collaboration that brings together industry, academia and enterprise. The initiative, launched today in partnership with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Al-Ansar Integrated Sdn Bhd, centres…
GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysia Gold & Jewellery Trade Exhibition (MGJE) 2026 will return to Penang next month with a stronger focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and the launch of a new Southeast Asian gold trading platform. The three-day event, to be held from May 8 to 10 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, is expected…
