Hari Raya drives surge in travel bookings

The Hari Raya Aidilfitri season this year has proven to be a powerful catalyst for travel among Malaysians, with significant growth recorded in both international and domestic bookings. According to leading travel service provider Trip.com, international travel bookings by Malaysians during the festive period from 29 March to 6 April 2025 soared by an impressive 111%, while domestic travel saw a similar surge, rising by 103% compared to the same festive window in 2024.

The data, derived from Trip.com’s latest booking insights, underscores the growing trend of Malaysians embracing travel as part of their festive celebrations. “Hari Raya is a meaningful time for many Malaysians — a time to reunite with loved ones, reflect, and recharge,” said Stephane Thong, General Manager of Trip.com Malaysia. “We’re seeing that this festive season is also becoming a moment for travel discovery, where many are choosing to explore new places while reconnecting with family and friends.”

Thong added that Trip.com’s tech-driven tools, such as Trip.Best, have played a key role in helping travellers discover unique destinations and experiences tailored to their preferences, whether they prioritise comfort, culture, or connection.

Shift towards long-haul journeys

While regional favourites such as Bangkok and Singapore continue to attract Malaysian travellers, this year’s Hari Raya season revealed a growing appetite for secondary cities and more distant destinations. Notably, Shanghai emerged as the most popular international destination for Malaysians, followed closely by Singapore and Guangzhou.

Further analysis highlighted even more striking trends: cities such as Kunming, Osaka, Chongqing, and Suzhou recorded year-on-year booking increases ranging from 237% to a staggering 351%. These figures reflect Malaysians’ growing desire to venture off the beaten path in search of new cultural and travel experiences.

Beyond Asia, bookings for destinations like Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and the Maldives skyrocketed by over 300%. Remarkably, some Malaysians even set their sights on New York, marking it as the furthest destination booked this Hari Raya. This shift indicates an expanding travel horizon, with Malaysians showing greater curiosity about global destinations rich in heritage, nature, and novelty.

Advance planning and higher spending

Another notable trend this Hari Raya is the increasing tendency among Malaysians to plan their travels well in advance. Trip.com reported that the average booking window grew from 42.63 days in 2024 to 48.10 days this year. Additionally, Malaysian travellers demonstrated a willingness to invest more in their festive getaways, spending an average of 14.5% more on international flights and hotels compared to the previous year.

This data suggests growing confidence among travellers, as well as a heightened appreciation for well-planned journeys. Trip.com’s seamless booking experience and curated recommendations have further encouraged Malaysians to secure their travel arrangements early, ensuring they make the most of their Hari Raya holidays.

Theme parks remain a favourite

When it comes to experiences, theme park attractions continued to captivate Malaysian travellers during Hari Raya. According to Trip.com, all of the top five most booked attractions for this year’s festive season were theme parks, demonstrating their enduring appeal across generations.

Universal Studios Japan led the list, followed by Shanghai Disney Resort, Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. These destinations offered the perfect blend of family-friendly entertainment and iconic scenery, making them popular choices for Malaysians seeking joyful experiences during the holidays.

Note: The data referenced in this article is based on Trip.com’s international flights, hotels, and attractions booking data for the period of 29 March to 6 April 2025, compared to 6 to 14 April 2024.