13MP Focuses On Developing High-income, Sustainable Tourism Sector

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) focuses on developing a high-income and sustainable tourism sector by establishing special investment tourism zones, preserving tourism assets, and harnessing the country’s rich art, culture, and heritage.

According to the 13MP document released by the Economy Ministry today, the government will introduce Special Tourism Investment Zones as a strategic initiative to develop new tourism products, aimed at attracting both local and international investors. 

“This initiative will be carried out through collaboration between the Federal and state governments, the private sector, and cooperatives,” according to the report, which carries the theme ‘Melakar Semula Pembangunan’ (Redesigning Development).

As of June 2025, a total of 43 areas have been identified as potential sites for the implementation of these tourism zones. The initiative is further supported by enhanced physical connectivity - via land, sea, and air - as well as improved digital infrastructure.

Additionally, homestay-based tourism will be strengthened, to create greater income-generating opportunities for local communities, particularly in rural areas.

The report also noted that measurement and monitoring of tourism area sustainability will be introduced, based on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, ensuring selected destinations meet international standards.

“This recognition as a sustainable tourism destination will be leveraged for promotional efforts, attracting investments, and supporting the development of local communities,” it said.

To further boost the tourism sector and support the growth of the orange economy, art, cultural, and heritage assets will be revitalised through innovative approaches. Among the technologies to be employed are augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), particularly in the creation of immersive, creative content which enhances the visitor experience.

The government also plans to upgrade key historical and heritage sites, including the Lenggong Valley World Heritage site in Perak, the Sungai Batu and Bujang Valley archaeological sites in Kedah, Gua Bewah in Terengganu, and Warisan KL in the capital.

At the same time, coastal and island tourism offerings will be enhanced, to boost the appeal of sustainable tourism destinations, aligning with the development of Malaysia’s blue economy.

“Improvement measures will be taken for tourism products which do not meet international sustainability standards, in accordance with the guidelines of the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories,” the report said.

The 13th Malaysia Plan also highlighted the full recovery of the tourism sector under the 12th Malaysia Plan, with foreign tourist spending reaching RM102.2 billion in 2024, and international arrivals increasing to 25 million.

The marine tourism sector recorded impressive growth, with visitor numbers to marine parks nationwide rising sharply, from 20,000 in 2021 to 586,000 in 2024.

Meanwhile, domestic tourism also saw a strong performance, growing at an average annual rate of 18.6 per cent between 2021 and 2024 - underscoring the overall resurgence of Malaysia’s tourism industry.

-- BERNAMA