Is domestic tourism spending in Sabah outpacing international visitor expenditure?

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Domestic Tourism Expenditure Growth in Sabah Compared to International Visitor Spending

Domestic tourism consumption in Sabah experienced a significant surge of 45.9% in 2024, reaching RM12.1 billion. While inbound tourism expenditure also saw an increase to RM6.2 billion, the provided data does not offer a direct year-over-year percentage growth comparison for inbound expenditure to definitively state whether domestic spending is outpacing international visitor expenditure.
Significant Growth in Domestic Tourism Expenditure

In 2024, domestic tourism expenditure in Sabah demonstrated robust growth, increasing by 45.9%. This upward trend highlights a strong recovery and expansion within the domestic travel market. Shopping activities emerged as the primary driver for this domestic spending, contributing 43.8% to the total.
Composition of Domestic Tourism Spending

Further breakdown of domestic tourism expenditure reveals that after shopping, accommodation and food and beverage services accounted for a substantial 31.6%. Transport services and the retail sale of automotive fuel also played a notable role, contributing 18.2% to the overall domestic tourism spending in Sabah. Key destinations attracting domestic travellers included Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Semporna, and Tawau.
Inbound Tourism Expenditure Details

Inbound tourism expenditure in Sabah reached RM6.2 billion in 2024. International tourists constituted 49.1% of this total expenditure. This segment was supported by increased passenger transport services and the retail sale of automotive fuel, which saw a 64.5% rise. Direct flight connectivity to Kota Kinabalu from South Korea, China, and Brunei also played a role in attracting international visitors.
Contribution of Tourism to Sabah's Economy

Overall, Sabah's tourism industry generated RM13.7 billion in 2024, representing a 4.2% growth and contributing 12% to the state's economy. This economic contribution was largely driven by retail trade activity, which saw a 3.2% increase, and accommodation and food and beverage services, up by 3.5%. Transport services and the retail sale of automotive fuel experienced a significant nine per cent growth.

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Is domestic tourism spending in Sabah outpacing international visitor expenditure?

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