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Chiew says the ministry has been engaging closely with tourism stakeholders to better understand concerns on the ground and to identify solutions to address challenges arising from the current global situation.
MIRI (April 4): Malaysia’s tourism industry continues to demonstrate resilience and steady growth despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, said Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Chiew Choon Man.
He said the ministry has been engaging closely with tourism stakeholders to better understand concerns on the ground and to identify solutions to address challenges arising from the current global situation.
“Through these engagements, we have gained first-hand insights into the impact faced by industry players.
“While there are concerns, especially regarding the Middle East conflict, the sector remains resilient with sustained growth in visitor arrivals and a stable aviation industry,” he said in a press statement.
According to the ministry, Malaysia recorded 2,835,724 visitor arrivals in March 2026, marking a 2.4 per cent increase compared to 2,769,305 arrivals in the same period last year.
The growth was driven largely by strong performance from markets in Asean, East Asia, Central Asia, Oceania and Europe. Although arrivals from the Middle East and Africa declined due to the current geopolitical situation, the sector continues to be supported by robust growth in Asia and Asean markets.
Chiew said the ministry is adopting a strategic approach to ensure continued resilience, including redirecting focus towards high-value and consistent global markets such as China, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
He added that efforts are also being expanded to tap into new long-haul markets, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Russia, France, Germany, Australia, Timor-Leste, Ukraine, Denmark, Switzerland, Türkiye and Poland.
To enhance responsiveness to global developments, he said Tourism Malaysia has been directed to provide regular reports on international arrivals and market conditions, alongside timely updates from its overseas offices.
The ministry is also working closely with industry players to address operational challenges, particularly rising costs influenced by global tensions.
Collaboration with the Ministry of Finance is ongoing to explore measures to mitigate these pressures.
“Industry players are encouraged to share feedback on cost structures so that practical solutions can be implemented,” he said.
At the same time, Chiew said the ministry is placing greater emphasis on high-end tourism, focusing on quality over quantity.
He noted that Malaysia remains an attractive destination, offering value-for-money shopping, vibrant retail experiences and a strong portfolio of four- and five-star hotels.
In addition, efforts will be intensified to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a global leader in Muslim-friendly tourism, leveraging its well-developed halal offerings and hospitality standards.
“The government remains committed to ensuring that the Malaysian economy stays stable, resilient and forward-looking,” he added.
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