Why Do Malaysians Keep Going To Thailand For Holidays? Here's Why
"Malaysia is famous for its cultural diversity, but now we are far behind other countries in the region."
By Tamara Jayne — 19 Sep 2024, 12:19 PM
It's no secret that tourists love Thailand. In fact, Malaysians were the top visitors in 2023, spending an impressive RM4.6 billion!
Recently, over 51,000 tourists travelled to Thailand during Malaysia Day and the school holidays, with numbers expected to rise.
Consortium of Inbound Tourism Alliance chairman Uzaidi Udanis believes it's time for Malaysia to take action.
"Malaysia is famous for its cultural diversity, but now we are far behind other countries in the region. We are becoming more like a modern Western country. Tourists want more than just iconic towers; they seek real experiences," he told Berita Harian.
He pointed to South Korea, Japan, and Bali as examples where visitors actively engage with local culture, such as by renting traditional outfits like hanbok and kimono
Uzaidi noted that Malaysia has far too few cultural products available to attract both foreign and local tourists.
Many international visitors are willing to pay for unique experiences, such as learning to make kimchi or participating in traditional dance performances.
Uzaidi explained that Thailand remains popular among Malaysians due to its diverse activities, affordable food, and excellent service.
Despite higher oil prices, Thailand manages to produce its own food and raw materials, allowing it to offer cheaper tourism products than Malaysia.
To boost Malaysia's appeal, Uzaidi suggested promoting walking tours in culturally rich areas like Bukit Nanas, Putrajaya, and the National Mosque
"We need to offer informative narratives during these tours to share our history and cultural significance. For instance, we recently organised a Friday prayer tour at the Putrajaya Mosque to allow non-Muslim tourists to experience the prayer firsthand, followed by a discussion session with the Imam," he explained, according to Berita Harian.
By highlighting its unique cultural offerings, Malaysia can better compete in the regional tourism market.
What suggestions do you have for how Malaysia can improve its tourism industry and attract more foreign visitors? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
