Performance of Tourism Industry

Tourism Industry contribute 13.1% to GDP

The contribution of tourism industry to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 13.1 per cent (RM128.7 billion) in 2013 as compared to 12.5 per cent (RM117.8 billion) in the preceding year. In 2013, the contribution of tourism direct industry to GDP marginally increased to 5.4 per cent (2012: 5.3%).

Retail trade remained as the largest contributor to tourism industry with 49.3 per cent in 2013 (2012: 48.7%). The second largest contribution was recorded by accommodation services 14.9 per cent in 2013 (2012: 14.8%). 

Inbound Tourism Expenditure Grew at 8.3%

Inbound tourism expenditure registered RM67.7 billion as compared to RM62.5 billion in 2012. The performance of inbound tourism was spurred by the higher number of visitor arrivals and stronger spending foreign tourist in Malaysia. In 2013, the arrivals of foreign visitors accounted for 35.7 million, an increase of 5.9 per cent as compared to the previous year. The expenditure on shopping by foreign visitors to Malaysia recorded 30.6 per cent (RM20.8 billion). Since 2011, shopping was the highest expenditure made by inbound visitors.

Domestic Tourism Expenditure Sustained at Double-digit Growth

Domestic tourism expenditure strengthened to 16.7 per cent (RM47.6 billion) in 2013 (2012:12.7%, RM40.8 billion). Shopping was the biggest component in domestic tourism expenditure which represents a share of 32.9 per cent (RM15.7 billion).

Employment in Tourism Industry Elevated to 2.2 Million Persons in 2013

The share of employment in tourism industry to total employment was 16.8 per cent (2.2 Million persons) as compared to 16.4 per cent (2.1 Million persons) in 2012. The growth was supported by the increase in number of employees for food & beverage serving services (8.1%) and retail trade (8.2%). 

APPENDIX 

INBOUND TOURISM

Comprises the activities of a non-resident visitor within the country of reference (Malaysia) on an inbound trip.

DOMESTIC TOURISM

Comprises the activities of a resident visitor within the country of reference (Malaysia) either as part of a domestic trip or part of an outbound trip.

Tourism Satellite Account 2005 - 2013