Malaysia foresees surge in Chinese tourist numbers as airlines launch new routes
- Malaysian tourism authorities say they’re expecting over 5 million tourists from China to visit this year, more than tripling last year’s figure
- It comes amid the launch of new routes connecting Shenzhen and Chengdu to Kuala Lumpur, with more than 247 weekly flights between the two nations
Tourism Malaysia Director General P. Manoharan said that last year Malaysia received a total of 1.47 million tourists from China.
“We are positive about reaching over 5 million tourists from China because the current flight frequency is more than 247 flights weekly, and in terms of seat capacity, there are almost 4.9 million seats available from China to Kuala Lumpur,” he told reporters after attending an event to celebrate new routes from Sichuan Airlines and China Southern Airlines connecting to Kuala Lumpur.
“Flight frequencies will increase, and new routes as well, so we are positive about reaching this target.”
Manoharan said that airlines from China have also shown interest in establishing direct flights to other major Malaysian cities such as Penang, Johor Bahru and Kuching.
Singapore pulls ahead in Southeast Asia’s race to win back Chinese tourists
“Sichuan Airlines is planning to operate flights [from China] to Kuching,” he said. “We welcome airlines from China to operate direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, in addition to charter flights.”
“This is also in line with the ministry’s goal to further increase direct flights in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” Manoharan said, adding that Tourism Malaysia will collaborate with airlines and tourism operators in Malaysia and China to increase flight frequencies to the country.
