Malaysia ranks among top Asian getaways for European wanderlust

Malaysia has seen a significant 20 per cent surge in interest compared to 2024, the highest increase among all top destinations. By DANIAL HAKIM
06 Jun 2025 05:58pm
The most searched locations in Malaysia are Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and the Perhentian Islands, highlighting a growing appetite for both city adventures and island escapades. Photo: Canva
DIGITAL travel platform Agoda has recently unveiled its latest 'Europe to Asia Summer Travel Trends', and Malaysia is once again firmly on the map.
Ranked as the fourth most searched Asian destination by European travelers for the second consecutive year, Malaysia has seen a significant 20 per cent surge in interest compared to 2024, the highest increase among all top destinations.
According to Agoda, the most searched locations in Malaysia are Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and the Perhentian Islands, highlighting a growing appetite for both city adventures and island escapades.
Agoda's insights, derived from accommodation searches for the peak European summer months of July and August, show Malaysia's tourism magnetism on the rise, particularly among travelers from France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Agoda's insights, derived from accommodation searches for the peak European summer months of July and August, show Malaysia's tourism magnetism on the rise—particularly among travelers from France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Photo: Canva
While these five markets continue to lead in search volumes, there's notable momentum coming from France and the Czech Republic, each recording a remarkable 95 per cent year-on-year growth, with Poland close behind at 74 per cent.
Meanwhile, Spain overtook the UK in the search rankings this year, reflecting shifting travel interests among Europeans. Malaysia's 20 per cent growth in travel searches leads the pack, but other Asian destinations are catching up.
China, benefitting from visa waivers introduced for several European countries, saw a 14 per cent increase, while Sri Lanka experienced a 13 per cent rise.
Still, Malaysia's overall performance remains unmatched in growth among the top five destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam, the latter making its debut on the list. Malaysia's overall performance remains unmatched in growth among the top five destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam, the latter making its debut on the list. Photo courtesy of Agoda.
'Malaysia's rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality continue to captivate holidaymakers seeking authentic and diverse experiences.
'With a 20 per cent rise in searches this year, it's clear that more Europeans are eager to explore all that Malaysia has to offer during their summer holidays,'said Agoda country director for Malaysia and Brunei, Fabian Teja.
More Like This

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Borneo Post

5 hours ago

• Borneo Post

How Blanc de Chine bridges centuries of global trade in porcelain

People look at porcelain exhibits at an exhibition in Mexico City, Mexico, June 21, 2024. An exhibition themed on 'Exhibition and Dialogue: White Porcelain of Dehua, China and Talavera Pottery of Puebla, Mexico' was held in Mexico City. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) FUZHOU (June 23): In the factories of Dehua County of Quanzhou City in southeast China's Fujian Province, ceramic workers are racing against time to fulfill Christmas orders destined for overseas markets. With a history spanning over five centuries, Dehua ceramics have evolved from gracing the tables of European royal courts to adorning the kitchen cupboards of Western homes. 'BLANC DE CHINE' As a key trade commodity on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Dehua porcelains began to be exported as early as the 10th century during China's Southern Song Dynasty, reached their peak in the 17th and 18th centuries, and continue to be produced to this day. The global footprint of Dehua ceramics spans countries along the Maritime Silk Road, extending deep into Europe. Traces of Dehua porcelain have been unearthed outside China, bearing witness to its far-reaching influence. White porcelain, in particular, first entered Europe in the 16th century, quickly becoming popular. It was dubbed the 'Blanc de Chine' — literally 'White from China' — by the French owing to its creamy, milky color and lustrous surface. The Tokyo National Museum in Japan also houses a large collection of exquisite Dehua porcelain pieces from ancient China, many of which were shipped and traded along the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Experts see this transcontinental fascination as an early symbol of cultural diplomacy. 'More than just a form of art, it has served as a vital medium for trade and cultural exchange between China and Japan,' Zhang Minggui, executive secretary general of the Dehua ceramic art masters alliance, said in an exhibition tour held at the Museum of Kyoto in March. A porcelain artwork is displayed during the 'Blanc de Chine — Dehua Porcelain' international exhibition in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo) DIVERSE TASTES To date, Dehua's porcelain industry continues to evolve — its wares found not just in museums but also on the dining tables and mantelpieces of everyday homes. June is one of the busiest periods for local manufacturers, as they prepare shipments of ceramic ornaments, kitchenware and others in the run-up to Christmas. 'About 80 percent of our orders are from Europe and North America,' said Lian Minpan, CEO of Fujian Redeco Industry and Trading Limited, a major ceramic exporter. Dehua's exports reached 118.5 million U.S. dollars in the first quarter of 2025, marking an 8.8-percent year-on-year increase, according to local official data. Dehua is also actively promoting overseas exhibitions as part of its efforts to enhance the international visibility of Dehua white porcelain. Earlier this month, the 'Yu·Jian' civilizations exchange event opened in Central Asia's Turkmenistan. The accompanying Dehua white porcelain exhibition features over 40 modern works that blend tradition and innovation, with horse-themed pieces highlighting the shared cultural ties and friendship between the two nations. In January, the 'White from China' exhibition was held in Malaysia, with over 40 contemporary pieces on display. 'Each piece is unique,' said Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, secretary general of the Ministry of National Unity, expressing hope that such events will deepen cultural exchange and inspire future collaborations between Malaysia and China. Such exhibitions have also been launched in the United States, Belgium and other parts of the world in recent years. From everyday mugs to exquisite china creations, Dehua's porcelain has been subtly integrated into seasonal lifestyles worldwide. This photo taken on June 3, 2025 shows a view of the 'China White: Exhibition of Dehua White Porcelain Art' in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. (Xinhua) CRAFT MEETS INNOVATION To meet evolving global demand while preserving their legacy, Dehua's porcelain makers are undergoing a revolution that embraces technological innovation with cultural refinement. In modernized workshops, automatic kilns and AI-powered design tools now enhance precision and efficiency. The traditional ceramic production process involves dozens of steps, all of which rely on manual skill and are prone to variable quality. Automation is transforming the traditional production process at Dehua Tongxin Ceramics Co., Ltd. A total of 75 intelligent production lines operate at full capacity, pressing clay into flowerpot shapes in 10 seconds, completing slip casting molds in 15 seconds, and finishing a complete rolling cycle in just 10 minutes. 'Automated production not only lowers manufacturing costs, but also significantly improves the yield rate,' said Zeng Liangfeng, general manager of Tongxin Ceramics. According to Zeng, the company's new facility will be developed into a digitized smart factory, with automation expected to reach 80 percent. Beyond production, companies are cultivating high-value cultural brands. Artisans collaborate to create porcelain that merges Eastern symbolism with Western aesthetics. This combo photo taken on Dec. 6, 2024 shows porcelain works displayed at Peng Chengxiong's studio in Dehua County of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Quanzhou Shunmei Group has partnered with internationally renowned brands, including Disney and Starbucks. By creating ceramic products inspired by their iconic intellectual property, the company has achieved strong market appeal both at home and abroad. As Dehua reinterprets its centuries-old craftsmanship for the modern era, its porcelain continues to serve as a cultural bridge carrying forward the spirit of innovation and deepening the dialogue between different civilizations in an interconnected world. – Xinhua ceramics China overseas market porcelain

Sinar Daily

16 hours ago

• Sinar Daily

Malaysians are rediscovering the joy of domestic travel

By DANIAL HAKIM 22 Jun 2025 01:00pm According to Airbnb's latest travel insights and data, Malaysia was the number one most visited country by Malaysian Airbnb guests in 2024, surpassing worldwide-favourite international destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia. Photo: Canva THE joy of old-school region hopping has once more struck among local Malaysians as domestic travels surge like never before. According to Airbnb's latest travel insights and data, Malaysia was the number one most visited country by Malaysian Airbnb guests in 2024, surpassing worldwide-favourite international destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia. As a result, this trend reflects a shift in travel behaviour as Malaysians seek out more intimate, flexible, and culturally connected experiences without leaving their own backyard. 'It is encouraging to see Malaysians continuing to explore and celebrate the richness of their own country. 'The growing trend of domestic travel, led by millennial guests, reflects a broader shift toward more meaningful, connected, and flexible travel,' Airbnb country head for India and Southeast Asia, Amanpreet Bajaj said. While major cities like Kuala Lumpur remain firm favourites, off-the-beaten-path destinations are becoming increasingly popular. Hulu Langat in Selangor and Kinta in Perak were among the top ten most visited local cities on Airbnb in 2024 by Malaysian guests — a clear indication of rising interest in nature-filled retreats and lesser-known escapades. From rainforest getaways to riverside kampungs, these alternative destinations offer a different kind of travel, one that is much slower, more intentional, and often more rejuvenating. Airbnb also interestingly noted that solo travel in Malaysia rose by 31 per cent year-on-year, showing a growing appetite for self-exploration and mindful escapes. Photo: Canva Malaysia isn't just winning local hearts — it's also drawing international eyes. Kuala Lumpur ranked among the top three most booked cities in Southeast Asia by international Airbnb guests in 2024, standing proudly alongside regional heavyweights like Bangkok. This further positions Malaysia strongly as it gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, with increasing global interest in its diverse travel offerings — from heritage-rich towns and island escapes to vibrant urban hubs. The year 2024 also saw millennials (aged 30 to 39) emerging as the leading demographic for Airbnb bookings in Malaysia, further cementing the age group as one of the leading voices for travel buffs locally and globally when it comes to the Malaysian landscape. It was also interestingly noted that solo travel in Malaysia rose by 31 per cent year-on-year, showing a growing appetite for self-exploration and mindful escapes. Additionally, long-term stays increased by over 17 per cent, suggesting more travellers are opting for slower-paced journeys and 'work-from-anywhere' lifestyles. As Airbnb data suggests, the top cities visited by international Airbnb guests included Johor Bahru, Penang, Petaling Jaya, Melaka, Langkawi, and Kuching — a mix of culinary capitals, coastal gems, and culture-rich locales. On the flipside, the top inbound travellers to Malaysia came from Singapore, China, Indonesia, the US, and South Korea, highlighting Malaysia's continued appeal as a regional and global favourite. More Like This

Barnama

4 days ago

• Barnama

Saudi's Al-Baha Development Receives Malaysian Delegation To Boost Tourism Cooperation

AL BAHA (Saudi Arabia) , June 19 (Bernama-SPA) -- Al-Baha Region welcomed a Malaysian delegation comprising representatives of 14 tourism companies as part of an exploratory tour organised by the Strategic Office for the Development of Al-Baha Region, in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority and several private-sector tourism partners in the region. According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote quality tourism and attract tourists from Asian markets, particularly Malaysia. This visit builds on the marketing and promotional campaigns launched by the strategic office to introduce international markets to the region's unique tourism offerings.