Tourism Western Australia (Tourism WA) recently concluded its successful 2024 Malaysia Trade Mission, strengthening partnerships with Malaysian trade partners. Key events in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Penang highlighted the growing interest in Western Australian tourism and included business appointments and gala dinners, bolstering the strong business ties between Malaysia and Western Australia.
Australia ranks as the second-most preferred travel destination by Malaysians, with Malaysian arrivals to Australia surging by 137.3% year-on-year in November 2023. As of December 2023, there were 175,600 arrivals, with holidaymakers comprising around 80% of this number. Notably, over 70% of these visitors were repeat travellers, showcasing Malaysians’ strong affinity for Australia.
Mel Forbes, Executive Director Marketing, Tourism Western Australia, emphasized Malaysia’s importance as a key market, expressing excitement about presenting experiences that cater to Malaysian travellers’ love for adventure, relaxation, and unique discoveries. The mission aims to provide exceptional experiences reflecting Western Australia’s natural beauty and diverse attractions.
The trade mission featured 24 Western Australian operators and engaged 236 attendees across Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Ipoh, with nearly 2,800 appointments held in Malaysia, highlighting the strong engagement between Malaysian and Western Australian tourism sectors.
The mission also showcased three new marine-based experiences designed to captivate Malaysian travellers:
- Scenic Helicopters in Albany: Embark on an aerial adventure across the Great Southern region, with Scenic Helicopters offering 20-minute scenic flights from Albany Town Jetty, starting at A$245 per adult.
- Interactive Marine Experience at Busselton Jetty: The new Marine Discovery Centre in Busselton Jetty offers a 30-minute indoor interactive experience, allowing guests to engage with marine life and explore the underwater world of the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Pearl Farm Experience at Roebuck Bay: Journey Beyond and Paspaley offer a half-day pearling experience in Broome, providing guests with insights into the history of pearling and the opportunity to view harvested pearls at Paspaley’s on-water Pearl Farm.
Additionally, upcoming events in Western Australia include:
- Pair’d (14–17 November): A four-day extravaganza celebrating wine and food in Margaret River;
- EverNow (3–7 October): A multi-sensory festival in Perth, coinciding with the Noongar season of Kambarang; and
- Time – Rone: An immersive art exhibition at The Art Gallery of Western Australia, showcasing renowned street artist Rone’s work until September.
For more information about Western Australia, visit Western Australia.
