Malaysia

Market Overview

Malaysia boasts one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant economies. Its multi-ethnic, multi-religious society encompasses a majority Muslim population and an economically-powerful Chinese community.

Just under half of Malaysian travellers are free independent travellers (FIT). Malaysians enjoy the self-drive opportunities offered by New Zealand as a holiday destination. With fewer seats for groups becoming available from Malaysia, FIT travel is becoming more popular.

Malaysia is also a strong market for incentive travel, with groups travelling in New Zealand's off-peak and shoulder seasons.

Traditional peak travel seasons are mid November to December, and the last week of May until the first week of June. A shorter peak period also exists around the Chinese New Year period, either in January or February, and around Hari Raya and Deepavali in October and early November.

Half of Malaysian visitors to New Zealand travel outside the main regions, and just under half are repeat visitors.

There is a growing trend among Malaysians towards booking travel online, especially airfares, and comparing land costs. Travel agents, however, remain the primary mode of booking for travel packages and travel fairs are popular travel research opportunities for Malaysian travellers.

Tourism New Zealand manages trade development activities in Malaysia from its Singapore office.

Key Statistics

International Visitor Arrivals November 2011

Year End Total 33,802 58.0%
Year End (Holiday) 22,697 95.6%
Month End Total 4,320 44.0%
Month End (Holiday) 2,800 47.4%
Total Stay Days* 707,412
Total Stay Days (Holiday)* 336,938
Average Length of Stay* 20.9 days
Average Length of Stay (Holiday)* 14.8 days

Want to know more?

For more information including tourism research and data, policy, and publications please see the Ministry of Economic Development.