Malaysia travel sector saw strong growth during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays in 2026, with more people travelling both within the country and abroad.
According to Trip.com Group, the festive season, combined with a long weekend and school holidays, encouraged more Malaysians to plan trips and explore new destinations.
Outbound Travel Sees Strong Increase
Malaysians showed a growing interest in travelling overseas during the festive period.
Outbound flight bookings rose by 49 percent compared to last year. Many travellers chose mid haul destinations, followed closely by short trips within the region.
Popular countries included China, Singapore, and Indonesia, while cities such as Singapore, Guangzhou, and Bangkok remained top choices. On average, Malaysians spent about eight days on their trips, showing a preference for longer holiday experiences.
Experiences and Attractions Drive Travel
Theme parks and experience based attractions continue to attract Malaysian travellers.
Popular destinations such as Shanghai Disney Resort, Universal Studios Japan, and Hong Kong Disneyland were among the most booked attractions. Scenic locations like Jiuzhaigou National Park and Shibuya Sky also gained attention.
This shows that travellers are looking for more than just sightseeing. They want memorable and immersive experiences during their holidays.
Domestic Travel Remains Active
Within Malaysia, travel activity also remained steady.
While many people still chose land transport for balik kampung, flight bookings saw a slight increase. Key domestic destinations included Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, and Kuching.
Domestic trips were shorter, with an average stay of around four days, making them suitable for quick holiday breaks.
Growing Demand for Muslim Friendly Travel
One key trend during the festive season was the rising demand for Muslim friendly travel options.
Bookings for hotels tagged as Muslim friendly or halal properties increased by 63 percent year on year. This shows that travellers are paying more attention to comfort and cultural needs when choosing accommodation.
Digital tools also played a big role. Features such as filters for halal friendly stays made it easier for users to find suitable options quickly.
Digital Tools Make Travel Easier
Malaysians are increasingly using digital platforms to plan their trips.
Trip.com’s AI travel assistant, TripGenie, recorded a 65 percent increase in Hari Raya related searches. Many users looked for budget friendly options and Muslim friendly services.
This shows a shift towards more thoughtful and practical travel planning, where users balance cost, convenience, and personal preferences.
Malaysia Attracts More International Visitors
Malaysia also saw strong growth in inbound travel during the festive period.
Flight bookings into the country increased by 26 percent compared to last year, with visitors mainly coming from China, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Most international travellers were solo travellers or couples, staying for an average of seven days. Many chose four star hotels, showing a preference for comfortable and quality stays.
