With a new marketing campaign showcasing the best of the country’s festivals, Tourism Malaysia expects tourism to continue to grow in Malaysia, targeting 29.4 million arrivals this year.

The country has been experiencing significant growth in tourist arrivals, increasing at its fastest pace since 2008. Figures for all of 2014 have yet to be released; however, data from January through October reveals 22.9 million people visited the country during that time period — an increase of nearly 10 per cent from a year earlier. The country experienced only a 2.5 per cent growth during the same period in 2013 and a 0.7 per cent rise in 2012.

Tourism from India and South Korea grew significantly, up 21 per cent and 43 per cent from the year before, respectively. Malaysia also witnessed strong growth from Western nations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Germany. The only country with a significant decline in tourism was China, with a decrease of 11 per cent.

Recently launched at this year’s edition of the ASEAN Tourism Forum, the Year of the Festivals campaign charts out more than 50 major events and festivals to attract tourists to the country this year, including cultural festivals, shopping events, eco-tourism festivals, art and music shows, food promotions and sporting events.

Browse the calendar of events for events, festivals and cultural celebrations taking place in 2015.

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