KUALA LUMPUR: New data shows Malaysia recorded approximately 7.5 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2024, says deputy tourism, arts, and culture minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.
Tourist arrivals from January to March were previously reported at 5.8 million, an increase of 32.5% from the 4.3 million for during the same period in 2023.
Speaking to reporters at the launch of Malaysia Mega Sale 2024 here, Firdaus said he was confident that the target for foreign tourist arrivals this year would be achieved.
Khairul also said the weak ringgit is a silver lining for the tourism sector as it will attract more foreign tourists due to their increased spending power.
A target of 27.3 million foreign tourist arrivals has been set 2024, which is expected to generate an estimated revenue of MYR102.7 billion
Malaysia recorded 20,141,846 foreign tourist arrivals last year, with Singaporeans making up the bulk of the number with 8.3 million, followed by Indonesia (3.1 million), Thailand (1.55 million), China (1.47 million) and Brunei (811,833).
