By INS Contributors

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: According to the latest official data, Malaysia welcomed a total of 42.2 million international visitors in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and achieving a strong recovery. Among them, the Greater China region (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan) contributed 5.11 million arrivals, accounting for over 12 percent of total international visitors for the year. This marks a record high for the second consecutive year, generating substantial foreign income for the country’s tourism industry.

During Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (MICA) Annual Dinner 2026, President Dato Dr. Angie Ng express deepest gratitude to Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture for his outstanding leadership and vision. She mentioned that the remarkable performance in 2025 not only reflects the hard work of industry players but also stems from the Minister’s comprehensive efforts in policy-making, visa facilitation, expansion of air routes, and tourism promotion. 

Under the Minister’s guidance, the government has continuously deepened tourism policy reforms, optimized entry facilitation measures, and strengthened strategic cooperation with domestic and international airlines. This has ensured stable growth in the Greater China market while demonstrating Malaysia’s appeal and competitiveness as an international tourism destination.

During Chinese New Year travel period, Chinese airlines proactively increased direct flights between China and Malaysia, demonstrating a restoration of market confidence and highlighting the Minister’s significant contributions in route planning and capacity management. Dato Dr. Angie Ng urge stakeholders to deepen collaboration further and expand more direct flights, making it more convenient for travellers from major and secondary China cities to access Malaysia.

Under the Minister’s guidance, State tourisms have leveraged their unique strengths and promote innovation in tourism development. Selangor focuses on rural tourism and New Village cultural experiences; Negeri Sembilan attracts visitors through cultural tourism; Perak integrates nature education with tourism; Pahang emphasizes agricultural and eco-tourism experiences; Malacca highlights historical and cultural assets; Penang appeals to independent travellers through its culinary scene and Peranakan culture; Sarawak develops eco-tourism and MICE tourism; Langkawi specializes in island resorts and water activities.

Meanwhile, Dato Dr. Angie Ng emphasized that MICA will continue to serve as a bridge and link, actively supporting the government’s tourism development strategies. 

MICA is dedicated to optimize tourism product structures and market positioning, plan more targeted promotional campaigns, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Greater China market and other key source markets with industry players, enhancing the international image and branding of Malaysia tourism industry. 

MICA will also maintain close collaboration with the Islamic Tourism Centre, supporting and promoting the Muslim-Friendly Tourism by helping operators improve halal dining, prayer facilities, and related service standards, further reinforcing Malaysia’s advantages as a global Muslim-friendly destination. 

Through joint government-industry efforts, resource integration, and continuous innovation, Malaysia’s tourism industry will steadily advance along a path of diversity and inclusivity.

Looking ahead to 2026, with the official commencement of the “Visit Malaysia 2026,” MICA is confident in driving arrivals from the Greater China market to exceed 6 million. Dato Dr. Angie Ng mentioned that Minister’s foresight and continued initiatives provide clear direction and strong support for the industry. 

MICA will deepen collaboration with Tourism Malaysia and State Tourism, strengthen collaboration with airlines and industry players, ensure a robust air route network, and maintain high service standards, enabling Malaysia’s tourism sector to expand market size while steadily improving service quality and industry standards, offering travellers a superior and convenient experience. 

At the same time, Dr. Dato’ Angie Ng mentioned that MICA plans to courtesy visit the Sabah Tourism Board in coming March this year to strengthen cooperation and exchanges, further enhancing the visibility and appeal of East Malaysia’s tourism resources in the Greater China market.

This event was attended by numerous industry players, airlines, state tourism, and association president. The event featured 80 tables of guests, with full attendance and a lively, grand atmosphere, reflecting the industry’s strong interest and support for Malaysia’s tourism development. 

The chief guest was Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing who was joined by other ministry officials from the state and federal level as well as Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia.

Together, they witnessed the record-breaking achievements of the Greater China market, exchanged experiences, and reinforced confidence and momentum for Malaysia’s future tourism development.

The dinner was a success, with guests collectively wishing Malaysia’s tourism sector continued growth in 2026 under the leadership of Minister Tiong King Sing, achieving higher quality and sustainable development.