TPO Builds a Sustainable Urban Tourism Partnership through the Global City Tourism Summit

The Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO, Secretary-General Kang Da-eun) announced that the 1st Global City Tourism Summit (GCTS), held from October 27 to 29 at Paradise Hotel Haeundae and various venues throughout Busan, concluded successfully.

A total of more than 1,200 participants, including mayoral delegations from 22 cities across 13 countries, as well as high-level representatives from international organizations, academia, and the tourism industry, took part in the event, marking a new turning point in global urban tourism policy.

This first Global City Tourism Summit was co-hosted and co-organized by Busan Metropolitan City, the Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO), and the Busan Tourism Organization (BTO) under the main theme of “Local Tourism and Culture: Innovation and Collaboration.” The summit was recognized for establishing a new paradigm in urban tourism policy while strengthening TPO’s role as a global platform in city-to-city tourism cooperation.

During the Mayor’s Roundtable, delegations from 13 cities adopted a Joint Statement reaffirming their commitment to strengthening city-to-city collaboration. The statement outlines four core principles: implementation of global tourism policies, integration of innovation and technology, promotion of cooperative networks, and pursuit of sustainable tourism, along with four action plans to put these principles into practice.

Looking ahead, the TPO plans to expand its city-to-city network and strengthen the foundation for tourism data and policy exchange, taking the lead in building a sustainable urban tourism ecosystem.

The Thematic Session offered insights into the future direction of urban tourism development.

In Session I, global companies such as Mastercard and Agoda participated in discussions on a new vision for urban tourism, focusing on the role of cities and governments in enhancing tourism experiences through digital transformation and in promoting local culture as a tourism asset. In Session II, tourism leaders from major global cities and academic experts gathered to discuss “Good Tourism” — a sustainable tourism philosophy that harmonizes people, place, and the environment. The session featured the founder of the Good Tourism Institute (Netherlands) and representatives from Mori Memorial Foundation (Japan, publisher of the Global Power City Index), who presented insights on the correlation between tourism competitiveness and urban competitiveness, as well as innovative models based on the Good Tourism framework.

The 1st Global City Tourism Summit served as a turning point beyond policy discussions, practically expanding TPO’s global network and establishing a concrete foundation for cooperation among member cities. The event brought together international organizations, city governments, and private companies in one place to explore new possibilities for tourism collaboration, while strengthening TPO’s role through strategic partnerships and the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).

Expanding City Partnerships and Global Network

The summit served as a dynamic platform for expanding city-to-city partnerships and fostering collaboration between local governments, international organizations, and private sector players across the tourism industry. A total of 27 bilateral meetings were held, facilitating exchanges and concrete steps toward future cooperation.

Busan Metropolitan City signed an MOU with Agoda, a global OTA, covering integrated global marketing, joint development of themed and customized tourism products, and collaborative tourist attraction efforts. This partnership establishes a strategic channel to showcase Busan’s tourism offerings to potential visitors worldwide.

TPO also signed an MOU with the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea to promote tourism exchange between TPO member cities and Silk Road heritage destinations such as Samarkand. Through bilateral meetings, Kigali (Rwanda) expressed interest in joining TPO as the organization’s first African member, while discussions with Nice (France), Copenhagen (Denmark), Guatemala, and other cities laid groundwork for expansion across Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

Private Sector Partnerships: Achieving Tangible Business Outcomes

During the Business Meet-up (B2B Meetings), two online travel agencies (OTAs), 22 tourism companies, and seven venture investment firms participated in a total of 123 consultations. Through networking sessions with global travel and investment companies, tourism organizations and enterprises from member cities explored investment opportunities, joint tourism product development, and collaborative marketing strategies, creating a platform for practical business exchange and fostering real opportunities for cooperation.

Global Tourism Open University Launching Ceremony

Educational Cooperation: Launch of the Global Tourism Open University Network

The Global Tourism Open University Network—the world’s first cooperative model uniting cities, international organizations, and universities—was officially launched with the participation of Busan Metropolitan City, the Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO), the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA), and 21 universities in Busan. This collaboration marked a major step toward jointly nurturing future global tourism professionals and driving innovation in tourism education, positioning Busan as a platform for developing the next generation of tourism policy experts.

In addition, the first cohort of the TPO Youth Ambassadors was launched, with participation from Dong-Eui University, Dong-A University, Dongseo University, and Youngsan University. Around 70 students, including both Korean and international participants, will promote the tourism assets of TPO member cities over the course of one year, establishing a practical global communication channel that transcends language barriers.

The TPO Youth Ambassador Program is expected to serve as a key driver in expanding the TPO network across policy, business, and education, reinforcing TPO’s role as a sustainable cooperation platform rather than a one-time event.

In addition, the Summit was recognized for going beyond an international policy forum by offering a variety of interactive programs that encouraged the active participation of citizens and youth, thereby strengthening its connection with the local community.

The experiential global street festival “Global City Tourism Roadshow,” held from October 27 to 28 along Gunam-ro in Haeundae, featured city promotion booths, traditional performances, a multicultural food zone, a lighting lounge, and a “Slow Mailbox” experience, attracting around 5,000 visitors over two days and drawing enthusiastic participation from the public.

Building on the success of these citizen programs, Gunam-ro was transformed into a true “festival of tourism” where citizens and international visitors came together, presenting a new model in which an international conference is integrated with the local community. Through this.

Summarizing the significance of the summit, TPO Secretary-General Kang Da-eun stated, “This summit was a starting point for redefining urban tourism. City-to-city cooperation is not a choice but a survival strategy, and we will build a global tourism ecosystem driven by digital innovation, regional specialization, and international collaboration.”

22 Cities from 14 Countries Gather in Busan to Discuss the ‘Future Strategies for Urban Tourism’

Busan, 26 October 2025

Over 400 delegates from 22 Cities across 14 Countries Gather in Busan for Global City Tourism Summit

BUSAN, Korea– The 1st Global City Tourism Summit, co-hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and the Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO), was held from October 27 to 29 across Busan. The Summit was organized to explore mid- to long-term visions and digital innovation for urban tourism in the rapidly evolving global tourism landscape. It will also address key issues in the tourism industry, such as digital transformation, revitalization of local tourism resources through localism, and inter-city cooperation. Through this summit, Busan, TPO, and BTO aim to present a new direction for intercity tourism cooperation.

The Hub of Global Tourism Policy Takes Place in Busan

With support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea, UN Tourism, and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the event will bring together over 400 participants, including mayors and city delegations from 22 cities across 14 countries, as well as officials in tourism policy, international organizations, academia, and industry leaders.

Beginning with the Opening Ceremony on October 27, the three-day event will feature a total of 23 programs, including the Mayors’ Roundtable and Joint Statement Signing Ceremony, Keynote Session (UN Tourism High-level Session), Special Dialogue, Bilateral Meetings, Thematic Sessions, Business Meet-up, and the Global City Tourism Roadshow. Held under the theme “Promoting Local Tourism & Culture through Innovation and Cooperation,” the Summit will explore the future of inclusive and sustainable tourism grounded in local culture and innovation. In particular, the Mayors’ Roundtable will bring together mayors from 22 global cities to discuss practical measures for intercity cooperation and adopt the “Joint Statement” for sustainable tourism development.

Driving Urban Innovation through ‘Good Tourism’

[Session I] will feature participation from global companies such as Mastercard and Agoda, exploring how digital technology is transforming the tourism experience. The session will also present data-driven tourism policies and public–private partnership models that promote innovation and sustainability in the tourism sector.

[Session II], under the theme “Good Tourism: Innovating Urban Competitiveness,” will bring together tourism leaders from major global cities and academic experts. The founder of the Good Tourism Institute (Netherlands) and a representative from Mori Memorial Foundation (Japan), publisher of the Global Power City Index, will share international case studies on tourism competitiveness and discuss how city governments can drive innovation through Good Tourism principles—harmonizing people, local communities, and the environment—while leveraging digital transformation and local cultural assets.

Diverse Sessions, Business Networking, and Youth Participation

Busan, the TPO, and the BTO aim to establish an integrated tourism platform connecting policy, industry, and citizens through this Summit.

The event will feature a keynote session (UN Tourism High-level Session), an Ambassadors’ Session where ambassadors from four countries will share their nations’ tourism policies, and a Business Meet-up involving 30 tourism agencies and seven venture capital (VC) firms, providing a platform for practical business exchange.

In addition, the Summit will present a new model combining tourism policy, industry, and civic participation through a wide range of programs, including the Youth Tourism Connect Talk Show that engages both youth and citizens, the Destination Rediscovery Session highlighting promotional best practices of collaboration between cities and influencers, And the Special Session on cooperation to enhance tourism between Korea and Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan)

Global City Tourism Summit, as a global tourism platform

During the Summit period, TPO will conduct a capacity-building program to promote Busan’s workation policies to mid-level officials from foreign governments. Furthermore, 30 young participants from 22 cities around the world were invited to Korea to take part in “K-CLIP” (Korean Culture and Language Immersion Program)—an 11-day youth leadership and exchange program held across Andong, Mungyeong, Daegu and Busan. Through these initiatives, TPO aims to develop the next generation of tourism leaders and strengthen intercity youth networks

Through this Summit, Busan aims to build upon and advance the legacy of its International Tourism City initiative, create new global business opportunities by strengthening networks among key organizations in the tourism industry, and promote local tourism based on regional identity (localism) as part of its efforts to position Busan as a leading global tourism hub city.

In addition, the Summit will be held in conjunction with the “Busan Global City Week 2025,” organized by the Busan Global City Foundation (BGCF), and the “2025 Global Culinary Tourism Forum,” hosted by the BTO, to maximize synergy and collaborative impact.

World’s First Global Tourism Open University Network Launched

Mayor Park Hyeong-joon, Busan Metropolitan City, highlighted the global significance of the inaugural Global City Tourism Summit, noting the strong enthusiasm of cities worldwide to advance urban development through tourism. “In preparing for the first Global City Tourism Summit, we witnessed the remarkable passion of cities around the world for driving urban progress through tourism,” he said. “Building on this momentum, we plan to make the Summit an annual event and further develop it into the largest integrated platform for the global tourism industry.”

Kang Da-eun, Secretary-General of the Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO), stated, “The Global City Tourism Summit is a symbolic event that demonstrates Busan’s role as a global tourism hub connecting cities around the world.” She added, “Through this Summit, TPO aims to present new urban tourism strategies and future-oriented cooperation models, while shaping a concrete direction for solidarity and innovation among cities.”

Expansion of the Global Tourism Network Beginning in Busan

The TPO, an international organization headquartered in Busan since 2002, has 143 member cities and 60 private members worldwide. TPO promotes intercity tourism cooperation through a variety of joint projects and international networking initiatives. Through this Summit, the organization aims to expand its cooperation network beyond Asia Pacific to major cities across Europe and Africa, setting a new milestone for the global tourism industry.

Meanwhile, Busan has surpassed two million foreign visitors this year, marking an all-time high. With the momentum of the Summit, the city expects to reach three million visitors earlier than projected.

Tourism Insight – Thailand’s Tourism Trend

Thai Outbound Travel Surges 45% YoY in H1 2025, Preference for Short-Haul Asian Destinations

According to a joint announcement by Thai Airways International (THAI) and Mastercard, Thai outbound travel increased 45% year-on-year in the first half of 2025. Travel demand rebounded strongly despite economic slowdown, with one in four travelers taking multiple trips during the period.

Approximately 75% of travelers chose Asian destinations, with top routes including Tokyo (20.3%), Hong Kong (9.4%), Osaka (9.3%), Singapore (8.3%), and Seoul (5.3%), making Japan the most preferred destination for Thai travelers. Shanghai has emerged as an alternative destination with over 80% growth due to visa-free policies and affordable costs, offering travel expenses approximately one-third of Japan’s level.

Thai Tourist Arrivals to Japan Show Steady Growth

According to JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) data, over 730,000 Thai tourists visited Japan from January to July 2025, representing an 8.5% year-on-year increase, positioning Thailand as Japan’s sixth-largest inbound market. In July alone, 48,600 Thai visitors arrived, ranking Thailand ninth among the top ten source markets for Japan.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Implements Special Marketing Initiatives to Attract Foreign Tourists

TAT is accelerating Thailand’s tourism recovery and expanding year-end tourist demand through global marketing campaigns targeting high-spending markets (China, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Middle East, etc.) in partnership with Central Group. The initiative aims to attract over 1.5 million tourists and generate 5.2 billion baht in revenue by offering special year-end consumer benefits across Central Group’s private and retail sectors.

Meanwhile, TAT is launching its second consecutive ‘Nihao Month’ campaign for China’s National Day Golden Week (September 26 – October 8), targeting high-spending Chinese tourists from September to December with various promotional benefits including charter flight support from second and third-tier Chinese cities and group incentive tour packages.

TAT anticipates at least 200,000 Chinese tourists during the Golden Week period, projecting tourism revenue of approximately 10 billion baht.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Promotes ESG Tourism

TAT is actively promoting an ESG tourism model through its ‘Village to the World #SustainableAgenda’ project. Moving beyond simple CSR, this structure links community development objectives with corporate sustainability goals, achieving notable results within just two months: attracting over 30,000 tourists to five pilot villages and increasing local income by an average of over 20%.

Through this program, TAT aims to establish Thailand as a ‘sustainable tourism destination’ and plans to implement ESG tourism investment incentive policies, expand corporate-community partnerships, and build a national sustainability ecosystem.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Fosters Travel Tech Startups

TAT held the ‘TAT Travel Tech Startup Networking: Together for Future Travel’ event on September 1, 2025, establishing a networking platform between the tourism industry and travel tech startups to discuss strategies for industry revitalization through innovation. This initiative is expected to build a smart tourism ecosystem and enhance Thailand’s international competitiveness in the tourism sector.

*Source: Korea Tourism Organization Data Lab – Thailand Tourism Trend Report, September 2025

“Cijin Mini Tours” Launch This September – Guided by Experts to Experience the Charm of Cijin

Cijin boasts abundant tourism resources and cultural heritage, making it a top destination for domestic and international visitors. To showcase the diverse charms of Cijin, the Bureau has specially designed the “Cijin Mini Tours,” running from September 7 to November 16. The program features four themed itineraries — “Shipbuilding Secrets,” “Fishermen’s Cuisine,” “Historic Tales,” and “Architectural Aesthetics” — covering shipbuilding craftsmanship, fishermen’s lifestyles, history, and architecture. A total of ten guided sessions will be conducted by local experts, including Professor Yi-Chih Lee from Sun Yat-sen University, offering visitors an in-depth experience of Cijin’s rich historical context.

Through infrastructure and landscape improvements, the goal is to create a green recreational route in Cijin. Cijin marks the origin of Kaohsiung’s history, from the Qing-era coastal defense fort, to the medical and missionary work of Scottish doctor James Laidlaw Maxwell, and later the thriving fishing and shipbuilding industries—all leaving behind unique cultural imprints.

In response to recent shifts in travel trends, visitors increasingly enjoy exploring local history and lifestyles through guided tours. The “Cijin Mini Tours” have therefore been designed around four themed routes— “Shipbuilding Secrets,” “Fishermen’s Delicacies,” “Historical Chronicles,” and “Architectural Aesthetics.” With the concept of “going deeper into local culture and meeting people,” and guided by Professor Li Yi-Chih from Sun Yat-sen University and his team, participants will gain a profound understanding of Cijin’s local life and maritime heritage.

According to the Tourism Bureau, the four themed routes of the “Cijin Mini Tours” offer different perspectives for exploring Cijin. The “Shipbuilding Secrets” route takes visitors to the Fishermen’s Association Building to learn about the history of the fishing industry, followed by a visit to a shipyard to witness time-honored shipbuilding craftsmanship and discover how the industry has supported Kaohsiung’s development; the “Fishermen’s Delicacies” route leads into village kitchens to taste the freshest catches and authentic local cuisine, while also understanding how the stories of fishermen have shaped Cijin’s food culture.

The “Historical Chronicles” route focuses on military sites such as Cihou Fort from the World War II period. Guided by instructors offering poetic narration, participants can reflect on the value of peace while revisiting the memories of wartime. The “Architectural Aesthetics” route invites visitors to stroll through the alleys, appreciating buildings that blend Minnan, Baroque, and modern styles, and to visit the First Public School (the predecessor of Cijin Elementary School) as well as the medical practice sites of Dr. James Laidlaw Maxwell, experiencing Cijin’s rich heritage as a place where diverse cultures converge.

The “Shipbuilding Secrets” route will be held on September 7, 14, and 21; the “Fishermen’s Delicacies” route on September 28 and October 12; the “Historical Chronicles” route on October 19 and 26; and the “Architectural Aesthetics” route on November 2, 9, and 16. Online registration is now open, and everyone is welcome to join and explore the attractions of Cijin!

Sea of Books: A Reading Cultural Festival Held Against the

Backdrop of Busan’s Beach

Waves, Sunset, and the Leisure of a Book

Escape from the busy daily routine and slow down with a book. The Busan Sea Library event will be held starting September 20th, every Saturday and Sunday, for a total of 10 sessions at Dadaepo Beach.

This reading cultural festival takes place against the backdrop of the beach, where you can experience cultural enlightenment and intellectual rejuvenation while reading a book by the sea. It is also a festival where people from various backgrounds can exchange and communicate through books.

At the Sea Library, you can relax on comfortable chairs and beanbags, enjoying your own personal reading space while feeling the healing effects. In addition, various activities are also offered. Culture and Science meet through books at the ‘Science Book Reading Salon’ where group reading, narration, and transcription activities take place. A Reading Party, created in collaboration with 10 book clubs from Busan, and the opportunity to meet humanists and big data experts to exchange perspectives and ideas are also part of the experience.

But that’s not all! You can also visit the Car Book Sale, a trunk market where you can walk barefoot on the beach, tune out the noise of the world, and truly listen to yourself.

In September and October 2025, come experience healing moments at Dadaepo, where the sea, sunset, reading, and various activities come together!

Create special memories between nature, books, and people.

DIMOO Shapes in Nature Series Theme Exhibition (China Debut Exhibition) and Themed Pop-up Store is now in Sanya

The Sanya Tourism Board, in collaboration with CDF Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex and POP MART, is proud to present the highly anticipated China Debut Exhibition of the DIMOO Shapes in Nature Series, alongside a captivating Themed Pop-up Store. This unique event promises an immersive artistic and retail experience for visitors from around the globe.

At the heart of this exhibition lies the core concept of “Shapes in Nature,” brought to life across four meticulously designed thematic zones and an engaging pop-up store. The exhibition’s thematic display prominently features two artistic installations: “Harmony” and “Rainfall.” These installations serve as visual focal points, interpreting the eternal rhythm of opposition and integration found in nature, while simultaneously awakening visitors’ awareness of its delicate and intricate balance.

The pop-up store, drawing inspiration from the transformative journey of “breaking through the cocoon to rebirth,” offers an immersive experience focused on life cycles and morphological evolution. It showcases profound imagery of natural circulation and symbiosis, inviting visitors to contemplate the interconnectedness of life.

Adding an interactive dimension, the exhibition specially introduces an art workshop exclusive to Sanya. This unique workshop allows participants to construct a coastal scene that is distinctly DIMOO, offering a creative and hands-on engagement with the artist’s vision. Furthermore, a stamp collection activity is available. By following a provided map to collect stamps, participants can redeem limited-edition DIMOO stickers, adding a fun treasure-hunt element to the exploration.

Throughout the event, the pop-up store will be the exclusive launchpad for a wide array of DIMOO series trendy toys, popular products, and derivative merchandise. This curated selection is designed to precisely meet the demands of collectors and consumers, offering them a chance to acquire sought-after items.

The DIMOO Shapes in Nature Series exhibition and pop-up store is set to be a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts, collectors, and families alike, celebrating the beauty of nature through the beloved DIMOO character.

Batu: The Adventure Gateway of East Java

Alun-Alun Kota Wisata Batu
Batu: The Adventure Gateway of East Java

Located in the highlands of East Java, Indonesia, Batu City is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of adventure, art, and relaxation. Dubbed “East Java’s Mini Switzerland,” the city is known for its cool climate, lush natural scenery, and diverse tourist attractions. While many visitors associate Batu primarily with family-friendly tourism, the city also offers a wide range of experiences — from adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures to creative spaces for art lovers. Below are some of the adventure and cultural experiences you can enjoy in Batu City.

Paragliding

For adrenaline seekers, Batu City offers a variety of thrilling activities. One of the main attractions is paragliding. You can fly above the clouds and enjoy the stunning views of Batu City, rice paddies, and the mountains below. This site is popular with both flyers and those who simply want to take photos and enjoy the natural beauty.

Off-road Tour

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground or at least closer to it, the Offroad Tour in Coban Talun, Jengkoang, and Brakseng is a must-try. These tours take you through rugged terrains, including pine forests, rocky rivers, and muddy pathways.

Hiking

.For those who prefer to rely on their own two feet, hiking on trails like Mount Panderman and Mount Arjuno — each offering its own unique scenery and breathtaking panoramas — makes every hike a truly rewarding journey.

Waterfall Adventure

Waterfalls in Batu provide the perfect answer for water enthusiasts. At Coban Putri, thrill-seekers can try canyoning, climbing alongside waterfalls, and rappelling down refreshing cascades. For those who prefer a calmer escape, Coban Rais and Coban Talun reward visitors with misty air, lush forests, and iconic photo spots perfect for enjoying the beauty of Batu’s highlands.

Rafting

If you’re a water adventure lover, rafting is perfect for you, with popular spots including Kaliwatu Rafting, Banyu Rancang Torongrejo, and Temas River Park. These rivers are safe yet exciting, guided by professionals, so your team will paddle through adrenaline-pumping rapids safely.

Why Visit Batu?

With its stunning landscapes, thrilling outdoor adventures, and lively cultural festivals, Batu is where adventure seekers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts find their perfect escape. Here, every path leads to discovery, and every moment feels unforgettable. So pack your bags, mark your calendar, and let Batu check off every item on your travel wishlist.

[Tourism Insights] Malaysia’s Tourism Trend

Tourism Sector Expected to Account for 10.9% of Malaysia’s GDP in 2025

According to recent data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the tourism sector is expected to contribute 10.9% to Malaysia’s GDP in 2025, amounting to 218.9 billion ringgit. The tourism sector’s GDP contribution ratio is expected to increase to 11.3% by 2035. Additionally, tourism jobs are expected to account for 15.7% (2.7 million people) of Malaysia’s total employment in 2025, rising to 18% (3.5 million people) by 2035.

Tourism Malaysia has partnered with global technology brand Honor to promote the country’s cultural and natural beauty ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. The collaboration will feature mobile photography competitions, workshops, exhibitions and cultural events.

Malaysia launched a major campaign to attract more Thai travelers ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), promoting the country as top destination for sustainable and inclusive travel experiences. Malaysia sees 20% surge in tourist arrivals in Jan-May 2025, boosted by China, India.

Malaysia Selected as No.1 Muslim-Friendly Destination

According to GMTI* 2025, Malaysia retained its long-standing position as the number one Muslim-friendly destination within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). With its robust Halal infrastructure, diverse culture, and seamless integration of Islamic values into public life, Malaysia remains a global leader in Muslim travel readiness.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were jointly selected for 2nd place. Among non-OIC countries, Singapore was selected as No. 1, with its well-established halal food network and active efforts to meet Muslims’ needs being the main reasons for top selection. Following Singapore, the UK, Hong Kong and others were selected.

*Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI): An annual report that benchmarks destinations in the Muslim travel market. Developed through collaboration between Mastercard and Crescent Rating, this report analyzes over 100 destinations worldwide to assess their readiness for halal and Muslim-friendly travelers and ranks countries accordingly.

Foreign Tourist Arrivals to Malaysia Increased by Over 20% Through May This Year

Malaysia recorded an over 20% jump in tourist arrivals for the January to May 2025 period, driven by government strategies such as the Visa Liberalization Plan, targeted industry incentives, and digital and airline-based promotional campaigns. International tourist arrivals during the five months reached 16.94 million, according to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister (MOTAC).

Singapore remained the top contributor to Malaysia’s international tourist arrivals, with 8.34 million visitors up 26.5% year-on-year (y-o-y). This was followed by Indonesia’s 1.82 million visitors, up 10.3% y-o-y; China’s 1.81 million visitors, up 38.8% y-o-y — marking the highest growth rate among key markets; Thailand’s 1.06 million visitors (increased 5.2%); and India’s 664,811 visitors (increased 32.0%). Among these, the increase in tourists from China and India was particularly significant.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization Data Lab, “(Malaysia) July Tourism Market Trends” and “(Malaysia) August Tourism Market Trends” published by Kuala Lumpur Office of Korea Tourism Organization

Backdrop of Busan’s Beach

Alun-Alun Kota Wisata BatuBatu: The Adventure Gateway of East Java

Alun-Alun Kota Wisata Batu
Batu: The Adventure Gateway of East Java