Malaysia unveils a world of unique eco-cultural adventures at ITB Berlin 2024
Tourism Malaysia is introducing an array of distinctive travel packages at ITB Berlin this year, spotlighting the nation’s vast and varied niche tourism offers. This comes on the heels of an impressive year in 2023, with the nation greeting upwards of 20.1 million visitors, marking a significant revival in its tourism industry.
The latest figures on tourist arrivals highlight a substantial recovery, particularly from German-speaking regions, showcasing growing interest in Malaysia’s unique experiences. 2023 numbers showed that 125,987 Germans visited Malaysia, followed by 22,312 travellers from Switzerland and 10,842 from Austria. These numbers indicate a recovery rate of approximately 90% for the German-speaking market compared to the same period in 2019.
Malaysia’s charm as a travel destination is rooted in its diverse appeal, with beautiful natural landscapes, tranquil islands and beaches, alongside a rich tapestry of cultures. The nation’s ethos, captured by the slogan “Malaysia Truly Asia,” offers a blend of experiences, combining urban sophistication with the beauty of nature and a deep cultural heritage.
Malaysia stands out as one of the 17 megadiverse countries globally, thanks to its abundant flora and fauna. It has become a premier choice for eco-tourism enthusiasts, given its rich biodiversity and natural attractions. Particularly characteristic of the jungle area are the proboscis monkeys and the rafflesia, the largest species of flower in the world. On the Malaysian peninsula travellers can explore the Taman Negara National Park, a rainforest around 130 million years old and home to one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet.
Adventure lovers will also find what they are looking for in Malaysia, with adrenaline-pumping experiences in the midst of untouched landscapes. Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak offers one of the world’s largest cave systems, cave passages and underground chambers. Kinabalu National Park in Sabah has Malaysia’s highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu (4,095 m), is another favourite spot among active vacationers.
By presenting a variety of tailored experiences, Malaysia is seeking to draw a more diverse group of visitors and encourage deeper engagement with its environmental and cultural heritage. Malaysia is set to host World Tourism Day 2025 in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Malacca, centred around the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” This prestigious event is expected to elevate Malaysia’s profile on the global tourism stage. Additionally, the “Visit Malaysia 2026” campaign aims to attract 35.6 million foreign visitors, marking a critical move towards rejuvenating the tourism sector post-pandemic.
Through its participation in ITB Berlin 2024, Malaysia affirms its commitment to enriching its tourism landscape, promising visitors from around the globe a range of unique and diverse experiences.
Malaysia launches four new niche tourism packages at ITB Berlin 2024
Tourism Malaysia is launching four new niche tourism packages at ITB Berlin 2024 in an effort to diversify its tourism offerings in the sectors of geotourism, ecotourism, archaeotourism and community tourism as well as diving.
Pulau Pinang & Kedah Archaeotourism & Geotourism Packages: These packages offer trips to UNESCO World Heritage sites and in-depth exploration of the regions’ archaeological history.
Perlis Ecotourism Packages: These packages present Perlis as a destination ripe for ecotourism, with activities such as cave explorations, kayaking, and stargazing on offer.
Sarawak Delta Geopark & Gawai Packages: These packages illustrate Malaysia’s commitment to ecotourism and the preservation of its natural landscapes.
Dive into the Unimaginable Packages: These packages highlight Malaysia as a top-tier destination for underwater exploration, with its untouched marine ecosystems offering unmatched experiences for divers of every skill level.
