Philippines Remains Key Source Market For Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The Philippines remains an important source market for Malaysia, with 299,633 visitor arrivals recorded as of June this year, up 1.13 per cent from 296,298 in the same period last year.

Tourism Malaysia, in a statement Wednesday, said air connectivity between the two countries remained strong, with about 59 weekly flights offering more than 11,615 seats.

The flights connect Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and other Malaysian destinations with cities in the Philippines, including Manila and Cebu.

Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Promotions II) Lee Thai Hung said the Philippines continued to be a promising source market, supported by strong air connectivity, close cultural ties and growing demand for regional travel.

He said the Sales Mission to the Philippines 2026, being held from Aug 16 to 23 in Manila, Davao and Cebu, was aimed at strengthening ties with the Filipino travel industry and promoting Malaysia’s tourism offerings.

“We remain committed to positioning Malaysia as the preferred destination for leisure, business events, shopping, nature, culture and Muslim-friendly tourism in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026–2027,” he said.

The multi-city mission brings together 21 Malaysian tourism industry stakeholders and 340 Filipino buyers through business-to-business meetings, networking sessions, destination presentations and pre-arranged business-matching sessions.

The programme also provides Malaysian tourism suppliers with opportunities to promote their latest travel packages, forge new business collaborations and strengthen existing partnerships with Filipino travel trade representatives.

-- BERNAMA