Malaysia welcomed 10,647,200 international visitors in the first quarter of 2026, a 5.4 per cent increase from the same period the previous year and the strongest first-quarter performance the country has ever recorded, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The figure surpassed the previous first-quarter record, set in 2025, by roughly half a million visitors. Singapore remained by far the largest source of visitors, accounting for nearly half of all arrivals, while China posted the fastest growth among major markets, with arrivals up more than 25 per cent year-on-year. Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei rounded out the top source countries.

Tourism officials also highlighted strong growth from several European markets, with Turkey, Ukraine and Poland recording particularly large increases in visitor numbers as the ministry stepped up efforts to attract longer-staying, higher-spending travellers from the region. The results were seen as an encouraging early sign for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, a nationwide campaign aimed at cementing the country's position as one of Southeast Asia's top tourism destinations. Tourism remains Malaysia's third-largest contributor to gross domestic product, behind manufacturing and commodities, and officials say the sector's continued recovery is helping support jobs in hospitality, retail and transport nationwide.

By the Numbers

  • 10,647,200 visitors arrived between January and March 2026, up 5.4% year-on-year
  • The highest first-quarter total on record, beating the previous 2025 record by roughly 500,000 arrivals

Where Visitors Came From

  • Singapore remained the largest source market, accounting for nearly half of all arrivals
  • China posted the fastest growth among major markets, up more than 25% year-on-year
  • Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei rounded out the top source countries
  • Turkey, Ukraine and Poland recorded particularly strong growth from Europe

Why It Matters

  • Tourism is Malaysia's third-largest contributor to GDP, behind manufacturing and commodities
  • Seen as an encouraging early sign for Visit Malaysia Year 2026