SIBU, June 2 — Malaysia’s tourism sector is experiencing a robust resurgence in 2024, as vibrant Gawai Dayak celebrations at Sarawak’s key airports drew domestic and international attention, underscoring the nation’s cultural richness and hospitality.
In a spirited collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), travellers arriving at Kuching International Airport (KIA) and Sibu Airport on June 1 were welcomed with festive fanfare, including traditional delicacies like Sarawak’s iconic kek lapis (layered cake), cultural performances, and promotional materials for the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
The celebrations highlighted Sarawak’s Dayak heritage, with captivating performances by a local dance troupe capturing guests’ attention and reinforcing the state’s cultural vibrancy.
Among the dignitaries present at Sibu Airport were Agatha Ting, special duties officer to the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, and Tourism Malaysia Sarawak director, Rubiah Tul’Adwiyah Md Yusof. Representatives from partner agencies and tourism associations also joined in the festivities.
The Gawai Dayak initiative is part of a broader nationwide push to showcase Malaysia’s rich ethnic and cultural traditions while sustaining momentum ahead of VM2026.
The latest tourism statistics reflect the sector’s strong recovery trajectory. Malaysia welcomed 38 million international visitors in 2024, a 31.1% increase over the previous year and 8.3% higher than the pre-pandemic peak in 2019. Tourism receipts surged as well, reaching RM106.78 billion, up 43.7% year-on-year and surpassing 2019 levels by 20%.
This upward trend has extended into 2025, with the first four months recording 13.4 million international arrivals, a 21% increase compared to the same period last year. Singapore continues to lead as Malaysia’s top source market, followed by Indonesia, China, Thailand, India, Brunei, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Tourism Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Sarawak’s cultural diversity through signature festivals like Gawai, positioning the state as a key destination in the lead-up to VM2026.
With cultural celebration at its core, Malaysia’s tourism revival is setting the stage for a landmark year in 2026 — one defined by heritage, hospitality, and global engagement.
