Malaysia sets sail for cruise tourism growth

Malaysia is charting a course for significant growth in its cruise tourism industry, setting its sights on becoming a premier homeport destination in Southeast Asia.

This ambition comes on the heels of a record-breaking year in 2023, with ports welcoming over 1,055 cruise ships and 1.5 million passengers – a substantial increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.

A rising star in cruise tourism

Malaysia’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and rich tapestry of natural and cultural attractions make it a compelling destination for cruise lines.

This potential is further bolstered by the recent addition of Kuala Lumpur’s Port Klang as a homeport for two major cruise lines, with plans for further expansion in the future.

The maiden voyage of the Costa Serena from Port Klang in January 2024 marked a historic milestone in this journey.

In line with the National Transport Policy and its goal of attracting 35.6 million foreign tourists by 2026, Malaysia is actively promoting itself as a cruise tourism hub.

A delegation led by Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, Loke Siew Fook, recently attended the Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 in Miami.

This key industry event provided a platform to showcase Malaysia’s advantages and forge valuable connections with cruise line leaders.

Unlocking economic benefits

The development of cruise tourism holds significant economic potential for Malaysia.

Beyond the tourism industry itself, a thriving cruise sector will generate a ripple effect, boosting local businesses in hospitality, food and beverage, retail, and other sectors.

“We are thrilled to be part of Seatrade Cruise Global,” said Akbal Setia, Vice President of Tourism Malaysia – Americas.

“This event allows us to highlight Malaysia’s potential as a homeport and connect with industry leaders.

We invite the global cruise community to experience the wonders of Malaysia and develop exciting cruise packages for our beautiful country.”

Malaysia’s participation in this leading cruise industry event underscores its commitment to harnessing the sector’s potential for economic growth and solidifying its position as a preferred global tourist destination in the lead up to Visit Malaysia 2026.