KUALA LUMPUR: International tourist arrivals to the country dropped 83.4 per cent to 4,332,722 last year from 26,100,784 in 2019 due to the closure of Malaysia's borders since March 18, 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Tourism Malaysia said tourist receipts last year also plunged by 85.3 per cent from RM86.14 billion in 2019 to RM12.69 billion in 2020.
It said the average per capita expenditure for 2020 declined by 11.3 per cent, from RM3,300 in 2019 to RM2,928 in 2020.
"Negative growth had been observed for tourists from every market, namely short-haul market (-83.5 per cent), medium-haul market (-84.7 per cent), and long-haul market (-79.7 per cent)," it said in a statement today.
Tourism Malaysia said according to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Malaysia was not alone in this matter as the Asia Pacific region recorded an 84 per cent decrease in arrivals.
Other ASEAN countries also saw a significant decline in the number of tourists including Thailand (-83.2 per cent), Singapore (-85.7 per cent), Vietnam (-78.7 per cent) and Indonesia (-75 percent), it said according to data from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and National Tourism Organisation (NTO).
Meanwhile, ASEAN countries or the short-haul market remained as Malaysia's top contributor with 68.1 per cent share of tourist arrivals (2,949,363) followed by the medium-haul market which includes East Asia and South Asia (20.1 per cent or 870,314).
The long-haul market share in 2020 was 11.8 per cent with 512,484 tourists from West Asia, the Middle East, America, Oceania, Europe and Africa.
The top 10 international tourist arrivals to Malaysia in 2020 were from Singapore (1,545,255), Indonesia (711,723), China (405,149), Thailand (394,413), India (155,883), Brunei (136,020), South Korea (119,750), Japan (74,383), Australia (72,680) and Vietnam (64,184).
The top five contributors in terms of overall tourist expenditure came from Singapore, Indonesia, China, India and Thailand.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Mar 10 2021
Tourism Malaysia said according to the World Tourism Organisation, Malaysia was not alone in this matter as the Asia Pacific region recorded an 84 per cent decrease in arrivals. REUTERSpic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.