KUCHING: Kuching emerged as one of the top 10 cities in Malaysia in terms of flight bookings during the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays, reflecting strong travel demand across the country.
According to data released by Trip.com Group, Kuching ranked fourth among the most popular domestic destinations by flight, alongside other key cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Penang.
Other East Malaysian cities including Sibu and Miri are also featured in the top 10 list.
The data highlighted a broader surge in travel activity, with Malaysia recording robust double-digit growth in both inbound and outbound travel during the festive period.
Outbound travel by Malaysians rose significantly, with flight bookings increasing by 49 per cent year-on-year.
More than half of these trips were to mid-haul destinations, followed closely by short-haul travel within Asia.
On average, Malaysians spent eight days abroad, with China, Singapore and Indonesia remaining the top destinations.
Domestically, although land travel remained the primary mode for balik kampung journeys, flight bookings also recorded a slight increase.
Travellers within Malaysia typically opted for shorter trips, averaging four days.
The report also noted a growing preference for culturally considerate travel options, with bookings for ‘Muslim-friendly’ or halal-certified hotels in Malaysia rising by 63 per cent year-on-year.
In addition, Malaysians are increasingly turning to digital tools to plan their journeys, with travel-related queries, particularly those focused on halal options and budget-friendly choices, showing a sharp rise ahead of the festive season.
Meanwhile, Malaysia continued to strengthen its position as a regional tourism hub, with inbound flight bookings increasing by 26 per cent year-on-year during the same period.
Visitors mainly came from neighbouring Southeast Asian countries and across the Asia Pacific region, led by China, Singapore and Indonesia.
Trip.com Malaysia general manager Stephane Thong said the trend reflects Malaysians’ growing enthusiasm for travel during festive holidays, driven by the desire for convenience and seamless planning.
“With our rich blend of culture, cuisine, urban attractions and natural landscapes, Malaysia remains a highly attractive destination in the region,” said Thong, adding that the country is well-positioned to attract even more visitors in the coming months.
The findings are based on booking data for travel between March 20 and 29 this year compared to the corresponding festive period last year.
