MalaysianUpdates

Category: Tourism

  • Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Triumphs with Top National and Regional Honours

    Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Triumphs with Top National and Regional Honours

    The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) proudly announces a remarkable series of award victories that affirm its position as Malaysia’s leading convention and exhibition venue, renowned for its operational excellence, sustainability, and world-class hospitality.

    This year, the Centre earned multiple prestigious accolades, including Malaysia’s Best Convention & Exhibition Centre 2025 from the TTG Travel Awards, Best Convention Centre (Southeast Asia) from the M&C Asia Stella Awards 2025, and Best Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Centre at the Tourism Industry Awards 2025. The Centre also received the Excellence Award for Large-size Purpose-Built Convention & Exhibition category at the Malaysia Business Events Awards (MBEA) 2025, as well as recognition for its energy stewardship and sustainability initiatives at the National Energy Award 2025.

    “These wins are not simply trophies on a shelf, they are independent validation of years of sustained investment in people, sustainable operations, and world-class guest experiences,” said John Burke, General Manager of the Centre. “We are deeply proud of our teams across operations, events, sustainability and culinary. These awards reflect their daily commitment to excellence and innovation.”

    Adding to the list of achievements, the Centre’s culinary and beverage teams delivered outstanding performances at Culinaire Malaysia 2025, securing an impressive medal tally of eight golds, twelve silvers, and twenty-one bronzes. The Centre also earned top honours as the Overall Champion (Professional) 2025, received the Most Outstanding Artist award, and clinched the Professional Chef (Champion) title in the Pizza category. These culinary triumphs highlight the creativity, precision and technical mastery of the Centre’s in-house talent.

    Culinaire Malaysia, held biennially alongside Food & Hotel Malaysia (FHM), is Asia’s most prestigious culinary competition and one of the region’s largest professional food and beverage showcases. The event brings together chefs, culinary artists and hospitality professionals from across Asia to demonstrate innovation, technical skill and artistry across various competitive categories.

    Beyond the awards, the Centre remains deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals. Each year, it encourages its junior chefs to participate in Culinaire Malaysia, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience that builds confidence, fosters creativity, and exposes them to international culinary trends and techniques.

    “Our young chefs are the future of the industry,” said Executive Chef Hisham Jaafar. “We believe in giving them opportunities to learn, grow and showcase their craft on a professional platform like Culinaire Malaysia. Their achievements reflect both their talent and the mentorship culture we nurture here at the Centre.”

    Each recognition represents a vital pillar of the Centre’s mission—service quality, sustainability, operational excellence and culinary leadership. Together, these accolades reinforce the Centre’s reputation as the preferred venue for global conferences, exhibitions and premium events. They also bring tangible benefits to clients and partners, from increased confidence for international conference bids to stronger marketing leverage and an enhanced event experience through superior food, hospitality and sustainable practices.

    For the latest updates and news, visit the Centre’s Newsroom at www.klccconventioncentre.com or follow them on social media via Facebook (@klccconventioncentre), LinkedIn (Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre), Twitter (@klccconvention) and Instagram (@klccconventioncentre).

  • Trip.com Strengthens Regional Presence with Expanded Malaysia Support Hub

    Trip.com, a leading international one-stop travel service provider, recently celebrated the official opening of its expanded Malaysia Customer Support Center, marking a significant milestone in its mission to enhance travel experiences for millions of travelers worldwide.

    As artificial intelligence continues to transform the travel industry with innovations such as AI-powered recommendations, instant translation tools, and real-time assistance, Trip.com believes that true service excellence comes from blending technological innovation with human expertise. With around 16,000 representatives across 16 support centers worldwide, Trip.com Group’s global customer service network reflects this philosophy by delivering 24/7 multilingual assistance. The majority of calls and chats related to flights and hotels are answered within 30 seconds, ensuring travelers always receive reliable, efficient, and empathetic support throughout their journey.

    Since its establishment in 2023, the Malaysia Customer Support Center has achieved tenfold growth in just two years, cementing its position as a strategic hub within Trip.com’s global operations. The center now supports a wide range of Trip.com products and plays a vital role in driving the company’s regional growth.

    “Automation enhances speed and efficiency, but at Trip.com we never lose sight of the human touch,” said Arvin Singh, Senior Service Manager at Trip.com Malaysia. “As a fully Malaysian team, we have the expertise, from local languages to cultural nuances, to better understand our customers and their needs. By combining this with cutting-edge technology, we are able to provide personalized and effective solutions that ensure our customers feel truly supported.”

    Trip.com’s strong service culture is reflected in its performance, with the majority of customer requests after sales receiving responses within 30 minutes to one hour. More than 85 percent of issues are successfully resolved on the first attempt, and the platform currently holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.4 out of 5, highlighting the trust and confidence customers place in its services.

    Stephane Thong, General Manager of Trip.com Malaysia, emphasized the importance of the local market to the company’s overall strategy. “Malaysia and Southeast Asia are among our most important markets, contributing significantly to Trip.com’s steady growth performance. Expanding our customer service operations here reflects our long-term vision of making Malaysia a hub not only for customer support but also for travel innovation, talent development, and collaboration with local industry partners. We see tremendous potential in strengthening the local tourism ecosystem, attracting more international visitors, and ensuring that every traveler who engages with Trip.com enjoys a seamless and memorable journey.”

    She added that with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, Trip.com is committed to supporting the country’s tourism goals. By leveraging its platform, the company aims to increase Malaysia’s visibility on the global stage and provide enhanced travel experiences for all.

    Trip.com Group’s customer-first philosophy has powered its growth over the past 25 years, balancing innovation with genuine human empathy. The expansion of the Malaysia Customer Support Center forms part of its global growth strategy and reinforces the company’s commitment to setting new benchmarks for travel service excellence across Southeast Asia and beyond.

  • Celebrating Malaysia’s Tourism Elite at the 2025 Industry Awards

    Celebrating Malaysia’s Tourism Elite at the 2025 Industry Awards

    Malaysia’s top tourism talents will take the spotlight as the Tourism Industry Awards 2025 returns in grand fashion to celebrate the achievements, innovation, and resilience of the nation’s travel and hospitality sector.

    The prestigious awards ceremony, hosted at Sunway Resort Hotel in Selangor, is organised by the Malaysia International Tourism Development Association (MITDA) in collaboration with Tourism Selangor and Santai Travel. This year’s event coincides with Visit Selangor Year 2025, adding further significance to the celebration of the industry’s most outstanding contributors.

    Spanning multiple categories – including Best Destination, Sustainable Tourism Initiatives, Outstanding Hotel & Accommodation, Tour Operator of the Year, and Innovation in Tourism – the awards spotlight individuals, organisations, and businesses who have raised the bar in delivering exceptional tourism experiences in Malaysia.

    “These awards are more than accolades; they are a celebration of our collective efforts to elevate Malaysia as a premier tourist destination in the region and beyond,” said Kapten Mahadzir Tan Sri Mansor, President of MITDA. “We honour those who embody creativity, sustainability, and resilience in this ever-evolving industry.”

    Adding to the excitement, Tourism Selangor CEO Chua Yee Ling announced the introduction of 20 special award categories focused on Selangor’s tourism sector. “The awards are not only a celebration, but also a strategic platform to promote Visit Selangor Year 2025 and our flagship domestic campaign, ‘Selangor Kan Ada’. It is a tribute to the media professionals and industry players who have been instrumental in shaping and enriching Selangor’s tourism landscape.”

    Beyond awards, the gala evening will feature celebrity performances, a tourism cultural showcase, and a networking dinner, offering a dynamic space for tourism professionals, government representatives, and media to connect, collaborate, and share insights.

    Dato’ Emmy Suraya Hussein, Organising Chairman of the Tourism Industry Awards 2025, highlighted the broader impact of the event: “This is not just a night of recognition. It is a testament to the industry’s progress and a symbol of resilience and excellence as Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”

    As the tourism sector continues to recover and reinvent itself post-pandemic, the Tourism Industry Awards 2025 aims to set a benchmark for quality, innovation, and sustainability. It stands as a powerful reminder of the industry’s pivotal role in driving economic growth, job creation, and international visibility for Malaysia.

    The awards ceremony takes place within the iconic Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, a premier integrated township comprising Sunway Resort Hotel, Sunway Pyramid Hotel, Sunway Lagoon Hotel, and a host of leisure and business facilities. Spanning 800 acres, the vibrant township also houses a theme park, convention centre, medical hub, education institutions, and retail attractions—making it an ideal backdrop to celebrate tourism’s finest.

    As the spotlight shines on tourism’s brightest stars, the Tourism Industry Awards 2025 promises not only to honour excellence but to inspire the next chapter of Malaysia’s travel and tourism story.

  • “Spice & Soul of Malaysia”: Menyulam Rasa dan Budaya, Menjelang Visit Malaysia 2026

    “Spice & Soul of Malaysia”: Menyulam Rasa dan Budaya, Menjelang Visit Malaysia 2026

    Menggabungkan warisan rasa dan identiti budaya pelbagai kaum, Tourism Malaysia hari ini melancarkan inisiatif baharu yang dinamakan “Spice & Soul of Malaysia”, bertujuan memperkukuh daya tarikan negara sebagai destinasi pelancongan gastronomi dan budaya menjelang kempen Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

    Program ini menampilkan kelainan dengan memfokuskan kepada keunikan kulinari tempatan yang menjadi simbol perpaduan rakyat Malaysia, termasuk budaya makan lewat malam yang dikenali sebagai Midnight Supper. Pengalaman autentik ini boleh dinikmati di lokasi ikonik seperti Saloma Kuala Lumpur, yang kini melanjutkan waktu operasi hingga jam 3 pagi dan menyajikan hidangan kegemaran rakyat Malaysia dari pelbagai bangsa.

    Bagi memperluas capaian budaya makan tengah malam ini, lebih banyak pilihan turut ditawarkan melalui restoran-restoran di bawah Persatuan Pengusaha Restoran Muslim Malaysia (PRESMA) di seluruh negara. Langkah ini bukan sahaja menambahkan nilai dalam kalendar pelancongan tempatan, malah mengangkat budaya gastronomi Malaysia ke pentas antarabangsa.

    Sebagai sebahagian daripada pelancaran, tiga buah hotel utama di Kuala Lumpur turut menyertai kempen ini dengan menawarkan pengalaman kulinari bertemakan etnik, persembahan budaya, serta dekorasi yang menampilkan identiti unik masyarakat Malaysia:

    1. Hotel Royal Signature, Kuala Lumpur
      Sajian dan persembahan bertemakan Minangkabau setiap Sabtu sepanjang Julai 2025.
    2. Hotel Saujana, Kuala Lumpur
      Menyajikan pelbagai aktiviti Peranakan termasuk Nyonya Trio Platter, Afternoon Tea, serta Evening Cocktail Hour sepanjang Julai hingga Disember.
    3. Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre
      Buffet “Malaysian Delights – Mega Sales!” diiringi dengan persembahan kebudayaan setiap Jumaat dan Sabtu.

    Menurut data pelancongan 2024, Malaysia mencatat perbelanjaan pelancongan sebanyak RM106.783 bilion, dengan makanan dan minuman menyumbang 16.1% peningkatan ketara yang menandakan potensi besar sektor kulinari dalam memacu pertumbuhan pelancongan.

    Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia menyatakan bahawa program ini adalah sebahagian daripada usaha berterusan untuk “menjual pengalaman, bukan sekadar destinasi” dan Spice & Soul of Malaysia dijangka menjadi antara inisiatif teras yang akan memikat pelancong untuk menjelajah bukan sahaja tempat, tetapi rasa, cerita dan jiwa Malaysia.

    Untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai program dan lokasi terlibat, sila lawati:
    👉 www.tourism.gov.my

  • Tourism Malaysia Welcomes ‘Worth The Wait’ A Global Love Story That Puts Malaysia in the Spotlight

    Tourism Malaysia Welcomes ‘Worth The Wait’ A Global Love Story That Puts Malaysia in the Spotlight

    A heartfelt celebration of culture, connection, and cross-border romance hits the big screen with the upcoming theatrical release of Worth The Wait a romantic comedy backed by Tourism Malaysia. More than just a film, it’s a global love story that also showcases Malaysia’s breathtaking beauty, cultural diversity, and warm spirit to the world.

    The red carpet premiere held at DADI Cinema, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, brought together over 200 distinguished guests, including cast members and filmmakers who flew in from the United States, Canada, Taiwan, and Singapore. Directed by the award-winning Taiwanese filmmaker Tom Shu-Yu Lin, this marks his first English-language feature, further adding to the film’s significance in Asian cinematic history.

    Boasting an all-star cast, Worth The Wait features major talents such as Ross Butler (13 Reasons Why), Lana Condor (To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before), Andrew Koji (Black Doves), Sung Kang (Fast & Furious), Elodie Yung (The Cleaning Lady), Karena Ka-Yan Lam (a multi-Golden Horse Award-winning actress making her U.S. and English debut), Osric Chau (Supernatural), Kheng Hua Tan (Crazy Rich Asians), and Yu-Beng Lim (Rebel Moon).

    Part of the film was shot across stunning locations in Malaysia, from urban landmarks to nature’s hidden gems. The production not only captures emotional storytelling, but also elevates Malaysia’s presence as an ideal filming and travel destination. It stands as a creative bridge between cinema and tourism, furthering efforts to promote Malaysia’s natural beauty, multicultural richness, and ever-welcoming hospitality on a global stage.

    “Worth The Wait speaks to the heart, and we hope it inspires viewers around the world to visit Malaysia,” said Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. “This partnership is aligned with our broader mission to integrate tourism with the creative industry, and positions Malaysia as a preferred destination for international filmmakers ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.”

    The film also carries personal meaning. Produced by former Miss Malaysia Rachel Tan, it draws inspiration from her own long-distance love story with husband and co-creator Dan Mark. “We wanted to tell a story that resonates with audiences globally while staying true to our Asian roots,” Rachel shared. “The response has been incredible so far.”

    Already achieving streaming success across North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, Worth The Wait is poised for regional cinema releases starting in Singapore before making its Malaysian debut this August, distributed by Astro Shaw.

    Produced by King Street Pictures, a studio known for championing Asian representation in Hollywood, Worth The Wait is their seventh feature film and another bold step in amplifying Asian voices through powerful and inclusive storytelling.

    As Worth The Wait sets out to capture hearts worldwide, Malaysia shines in the frame proof that love, culture, and cinematic magic truly know no borders.

    For more information about Worth The Wait and upcoming tourism initiatives, visit www.tourism.gov.my.

  • QNET Launches V-Malaysia 2025 in Penang

    QNET Launches V-Malaysia 2025 in Penang

    Global wellness and lifestyle leader QNET has officially launched its flagship convention, V-Malaysia 2025, at the Penang SPICE Convention Centre, welcoming over 8,000 participants from more than 30 countries for a five-day celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and international collaboration.

    Running from 21 to 25 June, the event reinforces Penang’s position as a premier hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) tourism. This marks the 13th consecutive year QNET has selected Penang as host, further establishing the island’s reputation as a top-tier destination for international business events. The convention is made possible through a strategic partnership between QNET, V Global Management (The V), Tourism Malaysia, the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).

    V-Malaysia has evolved into a vital platform for global business networking, personal growth, and entrepreneurial empowerment. Through the dynamic collaboration between QNET and The V, the convention has gained international traction as a leading event for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals.

    YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), highlighted the importance of V-Malaysia to the state’s economic growth.
    “This event is timely, especially as Malaysia chairs the 46th ASEAN Summit, enhancing regional visibility. In 2024, Penang recorded RM1.29 billion in economic impact from Business Events, a notable rise from RM1.03 billion in 2023. QNET’s continued presence directly contributes to our economy, supports job creation, and elevates Penang’s image as a world-class business destination.”

    Trevor Kuna, Chief Marketing Officer of QNET, added,
    “Penang offers the ideal combination of infrastructure, cultural charm, and strategic government backing. Our long-standing partnerships with Tourism Malaysia and PCEB allow us to consistently deliver V-Malaysia at scale. We’re proud to work together to reinforce Malaysia’s reputation as a destination for world-class conventions.”

    The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, plays a key role in boosting Malaysia’s standing in the international Business Events landscape. In 2023 alone, MyCEB supported 248 business events, attracting over 180,000 international delegates and generating an estimated RM2.8 billion in economic returns.

    Tourism Malaysia’s logistical and promotional support has also been crucial to the success of V-Malaysia 2025, demonstrating the government’s firm commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s global competitiveness in hosting large-scale corporate events.

    Alongside the event’s networking and training agenda, QNET also introduced previews of several wellness innovations including Harmoniq, a state-of-the-art bio-signaling patch, and QWIK, a new series of oral nutrition strips tailored for modern health needs.

    As V-Malaysia 2025 continues throughout the week, it showcases the power of strategic public-private partnerships in creating economic value, celebrating entrepreneurship, and promoting Malaysia as a preferred destination for global Business Events.

    For more information about V-Malaysia 2025, visit QNET’s official website at www.qnet.net.

  • MoU Dimeterai: MATA dan Da Nang Perkukuh Hubungan Pelancongan Serantau

    MoU Dimeterai: MATA dan Da Nang Perkukuh Hubungan Pelancongan Serantau

    Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA) dan Da Nang Tourism Association (DATA) telah mengorak langkah besar dalam memperkukuh kerjasama pelancongan serantau menerusi pemeteraian Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) pada Persidangan ASEAN Connect di Da Nang, Vietnam. Upacara rasmi itu memperlihatkan kesungguhan kedua-dua pihak dalam meneroka potensi baharu melalui kerjasama dua hala yang menyeluruh, berasaskan kepercayaan dan visi yang sama dalam memperkasakan sektor pelancongan.

    Majlis tersebut menyaksikan Dato’ Seri Dr. Haji Mohd Khalid Harun, Presiden MATA, dan Encik Cao Tri Dung, Pengerusi DATA, menandatangani MoU yang memberi fokus kepada pembangunan bersama pelbagai inisiatif pelancongan. Antara skop kerjasama yang digariskan termasuk penawaran produk pelancongan unik, pembangunan latihan kemahiran untuk operator pelancongan, pertukaran maklumat industri, serta penyelarasan dalam aktiviti promosi dan pemasaran destinasi.

    Dato’ Seri Dr. Khalid Harun dalam ucapannya menyifatkan MoU ini sebagai satu langkah konkrit ke arah merealisasikan ekosistem pelancongan ASEAN yang lebih inklusif dan terhubung. Beliau menekankan bahawa Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026 memerlukan sokongan pelbagai pihak, termasuk kerjasama serantau, bagi memastikan kejayaan penganjurannya dan keberkesanan promosi pelancongan jangka panjang.

    Encik Cao Tri Dung pula menyuarakan keyakinannya bahawa kerjasama ini akan membuka jalan ke arah penciptaan pengalaman pelancongan rentas sempadan yang lebih menarik dan bersepadu. Menurut beliau, pelancong masa kini lebih cenderung memilih destinasi yang menawarkan kepelbagaian pengalaman, dan kerjasama serantau ini adalah kunci untuk memenuhi kehendak tersebut secara lebih strategik.

  • Laporan Prestasi Pelancongan Domestik Malaysia: Suku Keempat 2024

    Laporan Prestasi Pelancongan Domestik Malaysia: Suku Keempat 2024

    Pelancongan domestik Malaysia menunjukkan prestasi memberangsangkan pada suku keempat 2024 dengan jumlah pelawat mencecah 66.8 juta orang. Peningkatan sebanyak 21.4 peratus berbanding tempoh yang sama tahun sebelumnya dan pertumbuhan 0.8 peratus secara suku tahunan mengesahkan bahawa sektor ini terus berkembang dengan stabil. Seiring dengan peningkatan jumlah pelawat, perbelanjaan pelancongan turut melonjak sebanyak 21.9 peratus, menjadikan jumlah keseluruhan perbelanjaan bagi suku ini sebanyak RM29.0 bilion. Dari segi suku tahunan, perbelanjaan juga mencatat kenaikan ketara sebanyak 13.4 peratus, menunjukkan peningkatan dalam kuasa beli pelancong domestik serta kecenderungan mereka untuk berbelanja lebih banyak ketika melancong dalam negara.

    Data yang diterbitkan dalam Buletin Survei Pelancongan Domestik Malaysia (DTS) oleh Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia (DOSM) mengesahkan trend pertumbuhan sektor pelancongan domestik sepanjang tahun 2024. Jumlah keseluruhan pelawat domestik bagi tahun ini mencapai 260.1 juta orang, mencatat peningkatan ketara sebanyak 21.7 peratus berbanding tahun 2023. Peningkatan ini bukan sahaja menunjukkan keyakinan tinggi terhadap industri pelancongan tempatan tetapi juga kesan positif daripada pelbagai inisiatif yang dilaksanakan untuk menggalakkan rakyat Malaysia melancong dalam negara. Seiring dengan pertumbuhan jumlah pelawat, perbelanjaan pelancongan sepanjang tahun 2024 turut menunjukkan peningkatan yang memberangsangkan, mencecah RM107.2 bilion, dengan pertumbuhan tahunan sebanyak 26.3 peratus. Kenaikan ini menandakan peningkatan tahap perbelanjaan dalam pelbagai sektor berkaitan seperti penginapan, makanan dan minuman, pengangkutan, serta aktiviti riadah.

    Beberapa industri berkaitan pelancongan turut mencatatkan pertumbuhan yang positif, mencerminkan kesan limpahan sektor ini terhadap ekonomi secara menyeluruh. Aktiviti zoo, misalnya, mengalami peningkatan hasil sebanyak 15.6 peratus, mencerminkan minat yang semakin meningkat dalam ekopelancongan dan destinasi berasaskan alam semula jadi. Selain itu, jualan runcit bahan api meningkat sebanyak 6.7 peratus, yang selari dengan peningkatan dalam aktiviti perjalanan darat, khususnya perjalanan jarak jauh menggunakan kenderaan persendirian. Ketibaan pelawat di lapangan terbang domestik turut menunjukkan pertumbuhan sebanyak 6.1 peratus, menunjukkan permintaan yang stabil terhadap penerbangan domestik sebagai pilihan perjalanan utama. Sementara itu, volum trafik lebuh raya meningkat sebanyak 3.8 peratus, menandakan tahap mobiliti yang lebih tinggi dalam kalangan rakyat Malaysia.

    Subsektor penginapan juga menunjukkan pertumbuhan positif, dengan peningkatan hasil sebanyak 14.1 peratus, menandakan permintaan yang kukuh terhadap perkhidmatan penginapan domestik. Kadar penghunian hotel empat bintang meningkat sebanyak 5.9 peratus, menunjukkan kecenderungan pelancong domestik untuk memilih penginapan yang lebih selesa dan premium. Destinasi pantai pula menjadi pilihan utama dalam kalangan pelancong domestik, dengan kadar penghunian meningkat sebanyak 12.1 peratus. Peningkatan ini mencerminkan peralihan minat ke arah percutian yang lebih santai dan berbentuk rekreasi semula jadi. Sementara itu, kadar penghunian di kawasan bandar turut meningkat sebanyak 0.7 peratus, menunjukkan pengagihan pelancong yang lebih seimbang antara destinasi urban dan luar bandar.

    Daripada sudut makroekonomi, pertumbuhan dalam sektor pelancongan domestik turut memberi kesan positif kepada ekonomi negara secara keseluruhan. Sektor perkhidmatan, yang merupakan salah satu penyumbang utama kepada Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK), berkembang sebanyak 6.2 peratus pada suku keempat 2024. Peningkatan ini sebahagian besarnya dipacu oleh pertumbuhan dalam sektor perdagangan runcit serta makanan dan minuman, yang mendapat manfaat daripada peningkatan aktiviti pelancongan domestik. Subsektor pengangkutan turut menyaksikan perkembangan yang ketara, dengan pertumbuhan sebanyak 10.0 peratus dalam pengangkutan darat dan 9.3 peratus dalam pengangkutan udara. Lonjakan ini menunjukkan peningkatan mobiliti rakyat Malaysia yang semakin aktif melakukan perjalanan merentasi pelbagai destinasi dalam negara.

    Dengan keyakinan pengguna yang kukuh serta permintaan perjalanan yang semakin meningkat, pertumbuhan dalam sektor pelancongan domestik dijangka akan berterusan pada suku berikutnya dan sepanjang tahun 2025. Faktor-faktor seperti sambutan musim perayaan, peningkatan promosi pelancongan domestik, serta usaha kerajaan dalam memperkukuhkan infrastruktur pelancongan dijangka akan terus menyokong pertumbuhan sektor ini. Selain itu, inisiatif seperti Kepengerusian ASEAN-Malaysia 2025 berpotensi meningkatkan kerjasama serantau dalam bidang pelancongan, sekaligus membuka lebih banyak peluang bagi industri tempatan untuk berkembang.

    Secara keseluruhannya, sektor pelancongan domestik bukan sahaja mencatat pertumbuhan yang stabil, tetapi juga menyumbang secara signifikan kepada pembangunan ekonomi Malaysia. Peningkatan dalam bilangan pelawat, perbelanjaan yang lebih tinggi, serta perkembangan industri berkaitan membuktikan bahawa pelancongan domestik kekal sebagai salah satu sektor utama dalam strategi ekonomi negara.

  • Kota Kinabalu Hotels Burdened by Steep Licensing Fee Increase.

    The Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO) has expressed deep concern over the drastic hike in hotel licensing fees in Kota Kinabalu. The sudden implementation of the 1966 fee structure has put registered and licensed hotels under significant financial strain.

    Previously, hotels only had to pay RM10 per room per year for their licenses. However, with the new fee structure, Class 1 hotels must now pay RM4.65 per occupied room per day, Class 2 hotels RM2.65, and Class 3 hotels RM1.30. This change represents a massive surge in operational costs. A Class 2 hotel with 100 rooms and a 60% occupancy rate, for example, would now need to pay RM57,600 per year—compared to just RM1,000 annually under the previous system. Such an increase is unsustainable and will likely force hotels to raise their room rates, which could drive tourists away.

    MAHO President, Datuk Ngan Teng Ye, has questioned the criteria used to classify hotels under this system, pointing out that Malaysia officially follows the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture’s (MoTAC) 1-5 star and 1-3 Orkid ratings. The lack of clarity surrounding this classification has left many hotel operators frustrated.

    Adding to the industry’s woes is the fact that unlicensed Short-Term Rental Accommodations (STRA), such as Airbnb, remain unregulated. While there are only 214 registered hotels in Kota Kinabalu, there are more than 2,500 STRA listings, none of which are subject to the same licensing fees or regulatory oversight. For years, MAHO, along with MAH and MyBHA, has urged the government to impose regulations on STRAs to ensure a level playing field, yet little progress has been made.

    With Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, the timing of this fee hike could not be worse. Increased operational costs will likely make Kota Kinabalu a less attractive destination for travelers, negatively impacting not only hotels but also local businesses that depend on tourism. MAHO is calling for an immediate suspension of the new licensing fees and urges the Sabah State Government to engage with industry stakeholders to find a fair and balanced solution.

  • MAH Calls for Urgent Intervention Over Kota Kinabalu’s Hotel Licensing Fee Hike.

    MAH Calls for Urgent Intervention Over Kota Kinabalu’s Hotel Licensing Fee Hike.

    KUALA LUMPUR, 4 March 2025 – The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) has urged lawmakers in Kota Kinabalu to reconsider the recent increase in hotel licensing fees, citing the severe financial burden it places on the hospitality industry. The reinstatement of the 1966 Hotel & Lodging Houses By-Laws has led to a sharp rise in operational costs for hotels across all categories, replacing the more affordable 1989 Cabinet Licensing Fees Structure. Previously, hotels were charged a flat rate of RM10 per room annually, but under the new system, they must now pay per occupied room per day, with rates varying by hotel classification.

    Hafizan Wong, Chairman of the MAH Sabah/Labuan Chapter, expressed deep concerns over the impact of this policy, highlighting how the increased fees could force hotels to cut services, lay off employees, or, in the worst cases, shut down entirely. For example, a mid-sized Class 2 hotel with 100 rooms and a 60% occupancy rate would now face an annual licensing fee of RM57,600—an enormous leap from the previous RM1,000 per year.

    MAH President Datin Christina Toh called for a fairer approach, emphasizing that while hotels are willing to contribute to the city’s development, they should not be disproportionately burdened while many unlicensed Short-Term Rental Accommodations (STRA) continue operating without proper oversight. She stressed that rather than imposing hefty fees on law-abiding hotels, the government should first regulate STRA operators to ensure a level playing field.

    In response to the crisis, MAH has proposed a series of urgent measures, including suspending the new licensing fees until thorough discussions with industry stakeholders can take place, reviewing the fee structure to make it more sustainable, implementing regulations for STRA operators, and introducing transitional measures to help hotels adapt without suffering sudden financial strain. The association remains committed to engaging with authorities, conducting comparative studies on hotel licensing fees across Malaysia, and advocating for policies that balance economic growth with industry sustainability.