Tourism Malaysia reports growth in Australian and Central Asian markets

Tourism Malaysia is reporting significant growth in international visitor arrivals, specifically targeting the Australian and Central Asian markets. During a recent roadshow in Melbourne and Sydney, officials highlighted that Malaysia welcomed 252,086 Australian visitors in the first half of 2026, an 8.1 per cent increase over the previous year.

The roadshow, part of the ‘Visit Malaysia 2026–2027’ campaign, connected travel advisers with over 20 suppliers, including airlines, hotels, and medical tourism representatives. The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council emphasized the country’s growing role in medical and wellness tourism, while Penang Tourism promoted regional heritage and leisure experiences.

In Central Asia, visitor numbers rose by 23.3 per cent between January and June 2026, reaching 53,347 arrivals. Uzbekistan saw the highest growth at 62 per cent, followed by Tajikistan at 60.2 per cent. Kazakhstan remains the largest source market in the region, with arrivals increasing by 11.8 per cent. Officials attribute this momentum to Malaysia’s status as a Muslim-friendly destination and improved air connectivity.