Find Tourism and Travel partners in Malaysia
- Overview
- Investment
Overview
Malaysia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia and the tourism industry remains strong. Tourism generated MYR125.4bn in 2011 (World Travel and Tourism Council Estimate, 2011), maintaining its position as the second largest contributor to the economy. The WTTC also estimated that that the industry provided 1,559,000 jobs (12.9% of the total workforce). In respect to the travel and tourism industry’s relative contribution to the Malaysian economy, the country was placed 48th in the world in 2011, with the sector constituting a 14.8% share, above the world average of 14%. The country received 24,577, 000 visitors in 2010, which, barring the UK, was the highest number of tourist arrivals in the Commonwealth (World Tourism Organisation). The largest number of tourists came from neighbouring Asian nations Singapore and Indonesia, as well as a high proportion from China and Thailand. Additionally, domestic tourism is a significant part of the tourism industry and continues to grow. Visitor exports generated MYR57.9bn in 2011, providing 7.2% of the total exports.
Investment
Malaysia’s eclectic culture, organised economy, warm climate and natural scenery are key determinants in its success as a travel destination. The country offers great contrast, from skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur and luxury hotels, to ancient reefs and traditional villages. The regions and islands of Malaysia provide a wide range of natural beauty spots, beaches and rainforests. Cultural and historical tourist attractions are found in places like Malacca and Penang, while eco and agro-tourism are developing in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, and in Sabah and Sarawak.
There is great potential for investment in the tourism sector. The Malaysian government has put effort into extensive promotional campaigns over the last 12 years, both locally and overseas. The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board officially promotes tourism to the country, and aims to market Malaysia as a premier tourist destination and develop the industry as a major contributor to the socio-economic development of the nation.
The Ministry of Tourism views ecotourism as the most dynamic of the tourist subsectors and is planning to promote it for the future tourist market. Additionally, they are aiming to empower rural communities through rural tourism activities. The ministry has made continued efforts to improve the quality and infrastructure of tourism services, which have generated growth in the industry’s supply and demand chain, bringing with it potential investment opportunities.
Another potential sector for investment is in sports tourism, with Malaysia increasingly promoting itself as an organiser of world-class sports events in the hope to develop into a major sports tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific region. This is already a popular tourist attraction, with global sporting events such as Sepang Formula One Grand Prix, Le Tour de Langkawi and the Raja Muda International Regatta.
In 2011 travel and tourism investment was MYR15.1bn (8.9% of total investment). This was expected to rise by 8.2% in 2012 and then by 6.2% over the following ten years to MYR30bn in 2022.
Tourism and Travel organisations in Malaysia | |
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Star Cruises Travel Services |
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Tourism Malaysia |
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Tourism Selangor |
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