Malaysia Tourism Report Q2 2010 - New Market Report Published

Robust Performance By Tourism Sector ;A total of 23.65mn tourists visited Malaysia in 2009, according to data released by the Immigration Department, an increase of 7.2% year-on-year (y-o-y). The robust performance came in stark contrast to the dire prognosis of a fall of 9%, forecast by the government at the start of the year and shows that Malaysia did well to withstand the lack of consumer demand for global tourism during a difficult period. Speaking at the release of these figures, Tourism Minister Dato Sri Ng Yen Yen praised the tourism industry for its efforts in promoting Malaysia over the year against a backdrop of challenges such as the global economic crisis and the outbreak of H1N1 virus. The minister also added that, for the first time, arrivals from China passed the 1mn mark, at1.01mn.

We are bullish about the long-term prospects for Malaysian tourism, which continues to benefit from strong government support and a relatively secure and stable political situation. The country offers a range of tourism options, from MICE travel to beach holidays, and the government is committed to supporting an industry that is an important generator of foreign exchange. For 2010, we are forecasting tourist arrivals to reach 25.2mn.

Strong 2009 Results From MAHB

In 2009, Malaysian airports operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) announced impressive results, recording passenger throughput of 51.34mn, an increase of 8.2%, for all of its Malaysian airports. International passenger volume grew by 9.6%, to 23.07mn, while domestic passenger throughput saw growth of 7.1%, to 28.27mn. However, cargo movements at its Malaysian airports were down by 13.8%, at 803.9mn kg, reflecting the difficult economic backdrop for corporates.

This higher passenger throughput fed through into the company's results. MAHB registered a net profit of MYR377.84mn, an increase of 23.55% y-o-y. Revenue increased by 14.1%, to MYR1.64bn. The company attributed its strong financial performance to improved results from its airport operations segment, which was boosted by higher passenger movements and a stronger contribution from its retail and rental activities.

Looking ahead, MAHB managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad bin Abdul Majid is hopeful that passenger numbers can increase in 2010, as 'airlines increase their capacity and continue to deliver new routes and services'. The company is also looking to increase the amount of non-aeronautical revenue it can generate from commercial activities.

Award-Winning Performance By Malaysia

Crowning a successful year for Malaysian Tourism, in January 2010 it was announced that Malaysia Airlines was awarded 'Best Airline in South-east Asia' at the Global Traveler magazine's annual awards. Malaysia also came second for 'Best International Tourism Destination', with Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) voted the sixth best airport in the world.