Visit Malaysia 2026: What Do Tourists Want?

Malaysia comfortably ranks 2nd for tourist arrivals in South East Asia, after Thailand. In the 28 months since reopening, strengthening visitor numbers have helped revive a tourism industry devastated by the two-year Covid border closure. But, in this acquisitive – and highly competitive – era for ASEAN tourism, Malaysia’s government is targeting upwards. A goal of 36 million tourists has been set for 2026, which is designated Visit Malaysia Year.

Gary Bowerman was interviewed on Malaysia’s Astro AWANI about the progress so far since reopening in April 2022, and the challenges ahead for meeting the 2026 target. He also addresses strategies to build higher yield in the visitor economy, understand the fast-changing tourism trends in mega-markets like China and India, and turn around the negative role of social media in destination marketing… plus much more.

Catch the interview: https://www.astroawani.com/videos/english-x7kldd/consider-visit-malaysia-2026-part-1-what-do-tourists-want-x93jgow