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.