KUALA LUMPUR - The Star reported that Malaysia is expecting more visitors during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period due to stronger cross-border travel and rising interest in Muslim friendly tourism.

Islamic Tourism Centre Director General Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan said the long festive holiday is likely to attract more regional travellers, especially from Muslim communities.

He said Malaysia continues to attract visitors from nearby countries such as Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei due to close distance and shared culture.

He added that easier visa processes have also helped attract more tourists from other regions, with Muslim visitor numbers steadily recovering after the pandemic.

Malaysia recorded 9.7 million Muslim visitors out of 42.2 million total arrivals last year, with Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei as the top three markets.

Mohammad Faisal said Muslim tourist arrivals are expected to reach about 15.2 million by 2030.

He added that the festive season is also attracting non-Muslim tourists who want to experience Hari Raya in Malaysia’s multicultural environment.

“This is a special opportunity for non-Muslims to experience what Hari Raya is like in Malaysia, where it is celebrated not just by Muslims, but also by other races in the country,” he said.

With 2026 declared as Visit Malaysia Year, he said tourism players are encouraged to offer Raya themed travel packages to attract more visitors.

These packages include festive food, open houses and cultural activities that highlight Malaysia’s diversity.

“Traditional dishes such as ketupat, lemang, rendang and an array of festive cookies, as well as visits to open houses, are among the highlights,” he said, adding that mosque tourism is also becoming more popular.

Guided tours are offered at major mosques such as Masjid Putra, Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, Masjid Wilayah and Masjid Negara, giving visitors a better understanding of culture and heritage.

“Malaysia has such a vibrant Raya atmosphere with open houses, festive cuisine, halal food choices, shopping, Eid prayers and other religious activities.

“It’s something unique that tourists cannot get elsewhere,” he said.

The Islamic Tourism Centre, under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, is responsible for developing Islamic tourism in the country.

Mohammad Faisal said the centre is also working with mosques nationwide to promote inclusivity.

It recently partnered with Masjid Sultan Iskandar to hold a Mosque Open Day that attracted more than 6,700 visitors and set a national record for the largest iftar gathering at a mosque.

With the global Muslim population now exceeding two billion, he said Malaysia is well placed to benefit from this growing market.

Through training and certification programmes, the centre is helping industry players better meet the needs of Muslim travellers.

“Malaysia offers that sense of ease, with a well-developed Muslim-friendly ecosystem, a safe and inclusive environment, and easy access to halal food and prayer facilities.

“These are qualities that continue to make Malaysia a reassuring and appealing destination for Muslim travellers,” he added.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Nigel Wong said the Ramadan and Raya period is a good chance for Malaysia to promote itself as a key tourist destination.

“There are a number of activities being organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the national culture and arts department.

“Perhaps we’ll see these become an inbound attraction one day,” he said.

He added that Malaysians are also increasingly planning trips during festive holidays, with popular destinations including China, Japan, India, Thailand and Indonesia.

Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association president Mint Leong said some Middle Eastern tourists prefer to return home during Hari Raya, which has affected travel to Malaysia.

“In March, besides leisure travel, there are also business and incentive groups.

“This is usually the peak season for Middle Eastern tourists, but this year bookings have reduced.

“Some have even cancelled,” she said, adding that the ongoing conflict has also disrupted travel from markets such as Iran.