Thailand Records 11.95 Million Foreign Tourists in 2024 So Far, Over Double Malaysia’s Global Arrivals

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato’ Seri Tiong King Sing yesterday announced that our country’s tourism sector has recorded remarkable growth in the 1st quarter of 2024.

In a Facebook post about his speech at Tourism Malaysia’s networking session on the strategic direction towards Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Tiong revealed that Malaysia recorded 5.8 million foreign arrivals from January to April 2024, which is 32.5% more than the 4.3 million visitors during the same period last year.

Malaysia will continue to enhance our nation’s tourism industry

Dato’ seri tiong king sing

The Tourism Minister thus pledges his Ministry’s continued collaboration with different ministries and industrial players such as airlines, hoteliers, hawkers and more to enhance our nation’s tourism sector.

Furthermore, Tiong urged industry players to not exploit customers with exorbitant pricing with the surge in business they’re witnessing and to ensure a fair and welcoming environment for tourists together.

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Besides that, the Tourism Minister also urged hoteliers to consider upgrading and renovating to enhance visitor experiences and elevate Malaysia’s tourism offering.

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How do Malaysia’s foreign tourist arrivals compare to Thailand’s?

Despite the 32.5% surge in international arrivals in the 1st quarter of 2024, the number of foreign tourists in Malaysia still far lags behind our neighbouring country Thailand.

Previously, we shared how Thailand recorded 10.72 million foreign tourists from 1 January until 16 April 2024.

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Well, the full statistics for the 1st quarter of 2024 have been revealed by Thailand, whereby according to Reuters, the country recorded 11.95 million foreign tourist arrivals. 

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry further announced that the country has generated THB575 billion or RM74 billion in revenue from international tourists. 

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So, what do you guys think of Malaysia’s and Thailand’s surge in international tourist arrivals this year so far? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. 

Also read: Study: Penang is the World’s 11th Cheapest Place to Travel in 2024, 4th Best-Value in Asia