Arya News - A tourism expert said Malaysia’s appeal as a Ramadan destination continues to grow, attracting visitors primarily from Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.
PETALING JAYA – Malaysia is set to welcome a surge in Muslim tourists this Ramadan, with an estimated 250,000 to 400,000 visitors expected to arrive, drawn by the country’s vibrant Islamic cultural festivities and religious tourism offerings.
Dr Wan Muhamad Adam Wan Norudin of the Association of Bumiputra Tourism Operators of Malaysia (Bumitra) said Malaysia’s appeal as a Ramadan destination continues to grow, attracting visitors primarily from Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.
“That is our target, and judging by the current atmosphere, the enthusiasm is evident, aligning with previous years,” said Wan Muhamad Adam, Bumitra’s president.
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As part of these efforts, he said industry players have organised special cultural festivals, nasyid concerts and other events in Putrajaya to enhance visitor experience.
Many of these Muslim tourists are set to arrive in the final week of Ramadan, when festival promotions for Eid or Hari Raya Aidilfitri shopping are in full swing.
“This creates a dual experience, allowing visitors to observe Ramadan while also taking advantage of the pre-Hari Raya shopping season, which is a significant cultural tradition,” he said.
According to the Islamic Tourism Centre, Malaysia’s vibrant Ramadan atmosphere makes it a top destination for both Muslim and non-Muslim tourists.
“For Muslim visitors, it’s a chance to experience Ramadan in a Muslim-majority country, enjoy iftar or buka puasa with the local community, explore Ramadan bazaars, and perform tarawih prayers,” it said.
From January to November 2024, Malaysia welcomed 4.82 million Muslim tourists, mostly from Indonesia, Brunei, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan.
While Malaysia is popular among Muslim travellers, it is now focusing on attracting Chinese Muslim visitors, says Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association president Mint Leong.
“With 100 million Muslims in China, many of whom have never visited Malaysia, we see a huge opportunity to introduce them to our unique Ramadan and Hari Raya celebrations,” she said.
Tour operators are curating customised packages, including Friday prayers, iftar with locals, as well as cultural exchanges for an immersive experience. Malaysian halal cuisine is also a key attraction, offering flavours distinct from China’s.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Hotels vice-president Lim Choong Sean noted a rise in hotel bookings for Hari Raya.
“Occupancy dips early in Ramadan but surges from the fourth week onwards, with most hotels fully booked during the festive week,” he said.