Malaysia Surpasses Thailand as the Most-Visited ASEAN Country in 2024
Malaysia has officially overtaken Thailand as the most-visited ASEAN country in 2024, attracting a staggering 38 million foreign tourists. This remarkable achievement not only exceeded Malaysia’s 2023 target of 27.3 million but also positioned the country as a regional tourism leader.
Tourism Boom: Surpassing Expectations
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) initially set a goal of 36 million international arrivals for 2025, but recent figures have prompted a reevaluation. Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing highlighted that setting the Visit Malaysia 2026 target at 36 million would be unrealistic, given that the country has already surpassed this number in 2024.
“We will reevaluate the target to be more realistic and to get a bigger economic impact on our country in terms of tourism,” said Datuk Seri Tiong.
Beyond boosting tourist numbers, Malaysia is also focusing on increasing revenue from tourism. MOTAC aims to generate at least RM150 billion from the sector, emphasizing the importance of higher spending per visitor, which currently stands at RM3,000 per capita.
Malaysia Takes the Lead in ASEAN Tourism
The latest figures solidify Malaysia’s position as the most-visited country in ASEAN. While Thailand saw 35.54 million international arrivals, Malaysia welcomed 38 million, securing the top spot. This shift highlights the growing appeal of Malaysia’s tourism offerings, from its vibrant cities to its diverse cultural and natural attractions.
Here’s a look at the international tourist arrivals in ASEAN for 2024:
Malaysia – 38 million
Thailand – 35.54 million
Vietnam – 17.5 million
Singapore – 15.3 million (January–November 2024)
Indonesia – 12.66 million (January–November 2024)
Cambodia – 6.7 million
Philippines – 5.43 million
Laos – 5 million (January–November 2024)
Myanmar – 0.9 million
It is worth noting that Malaysia’s official tourism statistics from Tourism Malaysia list international arrivals from January to November 2024 at 34.1 million. The 38 million figure, as referenced by Datuk Seri Tiong, likely reflects the full-year total, including excursionists who did not stay overnight.
What This Means for Malaysia’s Property Market
The surge in tourism has a direct impact on Malaysia’s property market. Increased visitor numbers translate to higher demand for hospitality properties, short-term rentals, and commercial real estate in key tourist destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor. Investors and developers are likely to see opportunities in the growing need for hotels, serviced apartments, and retail spaces catering to international travelers.
As Malaysia strengthens its position as a top global travel destination, the property market is expected to benefit from this economic boost. Whether through tourism-driven investments or an expanding pool of expatriates and international buyers, this upward trend presents a promising outlook for real estate stakeholders.
