Outbound travel from Malaysia has received a boost as the stronger ringgit enhances overseas spending power, having appreciated by more than 10 per cent against the US dollar in 2025 to emerge as the best-performing currency in Asia.
The strengthening of the ringgit against other major currencies has enabled Suka Travel & Tours either to reduce rates for its series departure packages to several destinations, or to maintain prices while introducing add-ons such as upgraded meals and complimentary traditional costume rentals in South Korea.
Its CEO, Adam Kamal, said that beyond Asian destinations, demand is also picking up for Central and Eastern Europe for the upcoming autumn and winter seasons.
“With the stronger ringgit, we are able to include more centrally located hotels in our packages. In the past, we relied on hotels on the outskirts to keep package prices competitive,” he said.
Apple Vacations group managing director Koh Yock Heng shared that the company has seen growing demand for Japan, as the yen depreciated by 11.3 per cent against the ringgit over the one-year period from January 20, 2025, making travel, accommodation and shopping more affordable for Malaysian travellers.
He said demand for China was also strong due to the visa-free arrangement for short stays of up to 30 days, direct air connectivity to first-, second- and third-tier cities between China and Malaysia, and the favourable exchange rate. The renminbi weakened by around 6.5 per cent against the ringgit over the same one-year period.
Koh said repeat travellers are increasingly seeking new destinations, prompting the company to introduce charter services to places without direct flights from Malaysia. These include 11-day, nine-night packages to Northern and Southern Xinjiang with four fixed departures in September and October, as well as seven-day, five-night itineraries to Japan’s Tohoku region with two departures scheduled for December.
Kazakhstan is another destination gaining traction following the introduction of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Almaty by AirAsia X in 2024. Koh said the destination is particularly appealing to more mature travellers seeking something different, with its mix of cultural heritage and natural attractions.
He added that travellers have already started booking for the coming autumn and winter seasons, reflecting confidence and sustained appetite for travel.
Bhara Tours & Travel Bandung managing director Herman Rukmanadi said there has been an increase in requests from Malaysian incentive planners for five-star accommodation in centrally located areas compared with previous years. The number of requests for proposals from Malaysia has also risen in the first quarter compared with the same period last year, although it remains too early to assess conversion rates.
Meanwhile, Manila-based Annset Holidays assistant sales and marketing manager Jenny C Valenzuela said the company has received more requests for tours beyond Manila.
“In the past, FIT and private tour travellers would only purchase city tours, but now they are looking for add-ons such as island-hopping experiences. We are also seeing stronger demand for four-star accommodation, whereas previously travellers tended to opt for budget hotels,” she said.
