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Malaysia

Market Overview

Malaysia boasts one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant economies following decades of industrial growth and political stability. Its multi-ethnic, multi-religious society encompasses a majority Muslim population in most of its states and an economically-powerful Chinese community.

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.

A third of Malaysian travellers are free independent travelers (FIT) with two thirds preferring group tours. 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 Chinese New Year period either in January or February, and Hari Raya and Deepavali in October and early November.

Tourism New Zealand’s manages trade development activities in Malaysia from its Singapore office.

Fast Facts:

Visitors Arrivals year to date
(Total Arrivals)
19,439 (YE Oct 2009) +2.1%
Median length of stay
(Holiday Arrivals)
8 days (YE Sep 2009)
Average Expenditure per visit
(Holiday Arrivals)
NZ $2,524 (YE Sep 09) +16.1%
Total Expenditure per visit
(Total Arrivals)
NZ $40,425,228 (YE Sep 09) -12.4%
Forecast growth in travel to New Zealand 2009-2015 average1.4% per annum (Asia outside of China, Japan and South Korea)
Population25,715,819 (Jul 2009 est.)
Key Regions/citiesKuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu
Direct Routes to New ZealandKuala Lumpur - Auckland
Leave Entitlement14 days
CurrencyMalaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Exchange rate

MYR 1 = NZ$ 0.40 (17 Nov 09)

GDP Growth

-2.4% in 2009
3.9% in 2010

(Nov 2009 est.)
Per capita GDP (PPP)US$13,850 (2008 est.)

This information was last updated on 17 November 2009.
Visit our sources for further information:

Ministry of Tourism: www.tourismresearch.govt.nz
The Economist: www.economist.com Malaysia Country Briefing
Reuters: www.reuters.com Exchange Rates
CIA: www.cia.gov World Factbook
IVA and IVS: www.tourismresearch.govt.nz/Data--Analysis/International-tourism/
Forecasts 2009-2015: http://www.tourismresearch.govt.nz/Data--Analysis/Forecasts/2009---2015-Forecasts---National-Arrivals/Forecasts-Key-Data/