TOURISM Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said Malaysia recorded approximately 28.24 million international tourist arrivals in the first eight months of 2025, an increase of about 14.5% compared with the same period in 2024.
He said domestic tourism has also maintained steady growth.
“In the second quarter of 2025 alone, Malaysia recorded 73.8 million domestic tourists, marking a 7.8% increase year-on-year.
“In the tourism sector, we observe that the industry not only drives accommodation and transportation but also stimulates food and beverage, culture, retail, and related services, creating a positive multiplier effect,” he said.
Yeoh was speaking at a wine tasting workshop hosted by the Hungarian Embassy in Penang.
He said tourism has become a key driver of Malaysia’s economic growth and cultural exchange.
“These figures reflect not only Malaysia’s rapid post-pandemic recovery but also demonstrate that our country’s tourism assets are gaining increasing recognition and popularity among both domestic and international travellers.”
With Malaysia’s robust tourism rebound, the country is placing greater emphasis on activities centred on "culture + experience + exchange," besides eco-tourism.
The Hungarian Wine Tasting Workshop is an example of an event that combines cultural depth with international engagement, said Yeoh.
Through wine as a cultural medium, participants had experienced Hungary’s winemaking heritage while fostering cultural exchange and bilateral friendship, while Malaysia gets to promote its tourism focus, he said.
“For Malaysia, we welcome visitors from all around the world—whether for leisure, cultural exploration, gastronomy, or business and investment.
“With continuous improvements in infrastructure, air connectivity, visa facilitation, and global promotion, Malaysia is poised to remain one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive travel destinations.”
He also expressed his gratitude to the Hungarian Embassy for consistently promoting cultural and tourism exchanges between the two countries,
His Excellency Dr. Sandor Sipos, Ambassador of Hungary to Malaysia, expressed his appreciation to the guests for attending the event.
He remarked that the workshop is more than a showcase of fine wines; it serves as an important platform to strengthen cultural, tourism, and economic ties between Malaysia and Hungary.
He noted that travellers worldwide are increasingly drawn to experiential tourism, wine tourism, and cultural tourism—areas in which Hungary is actively developing and promoting. – December 3, 2025
