Malaysia has officially overtaken Thailand to become Southeast Asia’s top tourism destination, welcoming 10.1 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2025.
This milestone is largely credited to Malaysia’s proactive visa relaxation policies, which have made travel more accessible for tourists from key markets.
In contrast, Thailand recorded 9.4 million foreign arrivals during the same period, despite its long-standing reputation as a regional tourism giant.
Tourism authorities in Malaysia have emphasized the importance of streamlined entry processes, diverse attractions, and strategic marketing in boosting the country's appeal.
With global travel recovering steadily, Malaysia’s momentum signals a shift in regional tourism dynamics and raises the bar for neighboring countries.
