24/04/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | APR 24, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

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T RAVELLERS across Malaysia are choosing quieter, off-the beaten path destinations as they seek more meaningful ways to travel. Following its latest report, Beyond the Beaten Track: Unlocking Tourism Growth Across Asia Pacific , an Airbnb-commissioned survey found that nearly 80% of Malaysians visited a non-urban domestic destination in the past 12 months and 88% plan to do so in the year ahead. This preference spans across generations, with Gen Z leading the shift towards travel that feels more local, authentic and immersive. Looking for authenticity Airbnb data shows overall nights stayed for non-urban stays in Malaysia grew 15% in 2025, with destinations such as Bentong, Sepang and Cameron Highlands seeing growth in searches and nights stayed. Malaysians are also motivated by more purposeful travel, with 91% surveyed prioritising authentic, community-based travel experiences and 90% saying it is important to support local communities when they travel. Nature and scenery (54%) and peace and relaxation (51%) are among the top reasons Malaysians choose non-urban destinations, alongside an interest in food and local products (42%). Together, these insights highlight a desire to slow down, reconnect and experience destinations more meaningfully beyond major urban centres. Accessing rural destinations Accommodation availability plays a

Most Malaysians choose to holiday in offbeat destinations

o Bentong, Sepang, Cameron Highlands see growth in internet searches, nights stayed by visitors key role in shaping travel decisions, particularly for rural and non-urban destinations. In Malaysia, more than eight in 10 (84%) travellers surveyed say they are more likely to visit rural areas if alternative accommodation options, such as home-sharing and vacation rentals, are available. This highlights how greater access to diverse stays is enabling more Malaysians to explore destinations that may have previously been less accessible. This preference is also driven by the unique benefits these stays offer. Nearly half of Malaysians (49%) surveyed chose Airbnb stays for their suitability for family or group travel, allowing everyone to stay together under one roof. Others cited value

across the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, the largest edition of the tournament in history. Access World Cup 2026 hospitality packages featuring premium seating, elevated dining and matchday environments. For many Malaysians, the World Cup is a major viewing and travel moment as it continues to unite football enthusiasts. 0 Formula 1 Formula 1 hospitality and tickets are available across all 24 races on the 2026 global calendar. Explore a wide range of options per race, from grandstand and stand locations to hospitality inclusions, including single-day passes covering Friday qualifying, ensuring accessible entry points across every circuit on the calendar. 0 Roland-Garros 2026 Check out VIP packages that include priority courtside seating, exclusive access to hospitality areas, personalised welcome experiences and curated Parisian dining. The event, held at Stade Roland-Garros in Paris from May 24 to June 7, is one of four tennis Grand Slams, drawing fans from across APAC who pair tournament attendance with broader France and Europe itineraries. 0 Wimbledon 2026 Held at the All England Club in London from June 29 to July 12, Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious tennis Grand Slam in the world, held since 1877. Debenture seats on Centre Court and Court No. 1 give fans guaranteed access and premium sightlines to the sport’s defining and iconic matches. across non-urban areas. Most Malaysians surveyed (91%) spent up to five nights on their most recent rural trip, with over half (51%) opting for shorter getaways of one to two nights, suggesting a steady flow of domestic travel into these communities. During these trips, travellers reported spending an average of RM117 per person on local goods and services, contributing directly to local economies. Spending is largely directed towards everyday, community based businesses, with 90% of travellers spending on food and drinks, 54% on groceries and local markets and 48% on local tours or experiences. According to the survey, hosts also play a key role in shaping this spending. About 83% of guests received local recommendations during their stay, most commonly for food and drink (67%), outdoor or nature activities (53%) and cultural sites or events (43%). Notably, nearly all travellers surveyed said these recommendations influenced where they chose to spend locally.

Cameron Highlands is seeing an upsurge of local tourism. – 123RFPIC

experiences during their vacation.

for money (47%) and access to more space (39%) as key reasons, reinforcing the appeal of alternative accommodations for more comfortable and flexible travel

Local communities benefit The survey also underscores the economic impact of travel dispersal

1 in 4 tourists plan trips around major sports events

FINDINGS from Klook’s Travel Pulse 2026 reveal mega-events have become catalysts for travel. Data shows that one in five global travellers now plan their entire vacation around a specific event, with 25% specifically citing sporting matches as their main travel motivator. 91% of fans use mega-events as a springboard for a longer trip. Rather than a“fly-in, fly-out”approach, 41% of travellers extend their stay by at least three days to explore local attractions and hidden gems. Due to the high-stakes nature of live events, these travellers are more decisive. Nearly half of the fans now secure event tickets one to six months in advance, creating a longer window to facilitate the rest of their travel needs. In Malaysia, football remains the most followed sport. Formula 1 is also enjoying a renewed wave of interest, fuelled by pop culture moments like the Netflix series Drive to Survive and the blockbuster F1 , as well as a strong sense of national pride in Petronas’s role as title sponsor of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team. Increasingly, this passion is shaping how Malaysians travel, with fans planning trips around marquee matches and race weekends. Klook has thus expanded its offerings to include sports and live events, bringing sports enthusiasts closer to some of the world’s biggest sporting moments taking place this year, including the World Cup in the Americas Wimbledon in the UK. 0 World Cup 2026 World Cup 2026 spans 16 host cities

StarDream Cruises unveils 2026 Asia experiences StarDream Cruises features a variety of diverse programmes and entertainment, including vibrant and energetic performances held at the Zodiac Theatre.

STARDREAM CRUISES – home to StarCruises and Dream Cruises – is bringing the best of Asia closer to Malaysians with an expanded line-up of sailings from Port Klang, Singapore and across the region in 2026. Marking the start of Dream Cruises’2026 sailing season from Port Klang, the cruise line’s flagship, Genting Dream, embarks on its first departure this week, ushering in a year of celebrity-led experiences, destination-inspired itineraries and world-class lifestyle entertainment at sea in celebration of Dream Cruises’ 10th anniversary. Guests can look forward to a line up of special, star-powered sailings,

making the experience even more memorable. This will be followed by two additional two-night Phuket cruises departing from Port Klang on May 25 and 27. More sailings from Singapore will also be available, offering even greater flexibility for regional travellers. Homegrown in Asia with a strong connection to Malaysia, StarDream Cruises continues to deliver experiences tailored to diverse travellers. Guests can indulge in a culinary journey with international cuisines, including certified halal dining options, offering added convenience and peace of mind for Muslim travellers.

featuring chef Tommie Lee from Culinary Class Wars from May 3–5, the debut of Forever Broadway in June 2026, Amotti from Netflix’s Physical: 100 from July 26–28 and rising K-pop group Kiiras from Oct 25–27. Its sister brand StarCruises will present a special highlight as Malaysia’s culinary icon Chef Wan makes a return at sea aboard Star Voyager. He will headline a special three-night Phuket–Penang sailing from Port Klang (May 22–25), bringing his signature local flavours to life through an exclusive culinary showcase, enriched with his vibrant storytelling. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy his specially curated dishes at The Lido buffet,