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 festive break and the March school holidays. The data indicates that more Malaysians took advantage of the extended holiday period to travel abroad, with trips averaging eight days.
Regional travel remained a key preference, with more than half of outbound bookings made for mid-haul destinations, followed closely by short-haul trips. China, Singapore and Indonesia retained their positions as the top three destinations among Malaysian travellers, while cities such as Singapore, Guangzhou and Bangkok ranked among the most visited.
Theme parks continued to be a major draw, dominating international attraction bookings. Popular destinations included Shanghai Disney Resort, Universal Studios Japan and Hong Kong Disneyland, alongside scenic and experiential attractions such as Jiuzhaigou National Park and Shibuya Sky, reflecting a growing appetite for immersive travel experiences.
On the domestic front, while road travel remained the primary mode for balik kampung journeys, flight bookings recorded a slight increase compared with last year. Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Penang emerged as the most popular domestic destinations, with travellers opting for shorter trips averaging four days.
The data also highlighted a notable shift in travel behaviour, with Malaysians increasingly turning to digital tools to streamline their travel planning. The use of Muslim-friendly filters on booking platforms has grown significantly, contributing to a 63% year-on-year rise in bookings for hotels classified as “Muslim-friendly” or halal-certified.
Further insights from TripGenie, the company’s AI travel assistant, showed a 65% month-on-month increase in Hari Raya-related search queries, particularly between March 12 and 14. These queries were largely centred on halal considerations and budget-friendly options, indicating a more deliberate and needs-based approach to travel planning.
Trip.com Malaysia general manager Stephane Thong said Malaysians are placing greater emphasis on convenience and assurance when travelling, whether domestically or internationally.
“Travellers today want a seamless experience from planning to booking, and increasingly look for options that meet their specific requirements,” he said, adding that the company is continuously enhancing its platform to better cater to evolving traveller needs.
Meanwhile, Malaysia also saw a 26% increase in inbound travel during the same festive period, supported by ongoing momentum from the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. The majority of visitors came from neighbouring Southeast Asian countries and the wider Asia Pacific region, with China, Singapore and Indonesia leading as key source markets.
Most inbound travellers were either solo visitors or couples, typically staying for about seven days. Four-star hotels accounted for the bulk of bookings, suggesting a growing preference for higher-quality accommodation among international tourists.
Thong noted that Malaysia’s diverse offerings from its cultural heritage and cuisine to its urban attractions and natural landscapes continue to enhance its appeal as a regional travel destination.
“With strong connectivity and a wide range of experiences, Malaysia remains well-positioned to attract more visitors in the coming months,” he said.
