Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – September 18, 2025 – Malaysia’s tourism industry has experienced a dynamic journey over the past decade, marked by significant growth, a sharp decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a robust recovery. This article provides an overview of international tourist arrivals in Malaysia from 2012 to 2024, reflecting the nation’s evolving status as a premier Southeast Asian travel destination.
A Decade of Growth and Challenges
Malaysia welcomed 25.03 million international visitors in 2012, setting a strong foundation for its tourism sector. The numbers continued to climb, peaking at 27.44 million in 2014, the highest recorded figure to date. This growth was driven by the country’s diverse attractions, including lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The years 2015 to 2019 saw fluctuations, with arrivals stabilizing around 25-26 million annually, reaching 26.1 million in 2019, just shy of the 2014 peak.
The global pandemic in 2020 brought an abrupt halt, with tourist arrivals plummeting 84% to 4.3 million, the lowest in the period. Restrictions tightened further in 2021, reducing numbers to approximately 130,000—a 96% drop from the previous year—reflecting stringent travel bans and border closures. Recovery began in 2022 with 10.07 million visitors, followed by a significant rebound to 20.14 million in 2023 as borders reopened and confidence returned.
Remarkable Recovery in 2024
The year 2024 marked a turning point, with Malaysia recording 25.02 million international tourist arrivals, a 24.2% increase from 2023. This figure, while falling short of the government’s 27.3 million target, surpassed pre-pandemic levels in some metrics. Notably, from January to November 2024, arrivals reached 34.16 million, a 5.6% rise compared to the same period in 2019, according to tourism data. The full-year total of 37.96 million visitors, including excursionists, highlighted a robust recovery, exceeding the 2019 figure of 35 million.
December 2024 alone saw 2.55 million arrivals, the highest monthly total of the year, contributing to a 9.8% growth rate compared to November. Peak months in 2024, including December, August, June, July, and October, underscored seasonal trends favoring these periods for international travel to Malaysia.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
Tourism’s economic contribution has been substantial, with foreign visitor expenditure surging to RM106.8 billion in 2024, a 43.7% increase from RM74.3 billion in the previous year. This resurgence has bolstered employment and supported local economies, particularly in states like Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, which saw significant domestic and international visitor numbers.
Looking ahead, the first three months of 2025 have already welcomed 6.36 million visitors, signaling continued momentum. Malaysia’s strategic promotional efforts and diverse offerings position it to potentially exceed 2019’s 26.1 million arrivals in the coming years, provided global travel conditions remain favorable.
This decade-long journey reflects Malaysia’s resilience and appeal, cementing its place as a key player in global tourism.
