Kuala Lumpur: With the global tourism industry projected to grow by 4.3% in 2025, driven by changing travel trends and increasing demand for cross-border travel, domestic tourism operators should prioritize initiatives that showcase local attractions and Deliver personalized, value-driven experiences to align with evolving. Passenger preferences and promotion of sustainable development.
According to Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s leading travel platform, digital transformation, affordability and sustainability are the key trends that will drive the industry to meet the growing needs of Asia-Pacific (APAC) travellers, especially Malaysians.
Traveloka president Cesar Indra said APAC and Malaysian travelers are increasingly relying on digital tools for travel planning, with 52% using social media, 50% using travel apps and 49% using traveloka such as platforms are being used, highlighting the growing demand for seamless, tech-enabled. Travel Solutions.
“Affordability remains a priority, as 46% of travelers prioritize cost, and promotions for less-considered destinations influence 39%.
“Additionally, while 82% of Malaysians are open to eco-friendly travel, barriers such as cost and accessibility must be addressed to encourage greater adoption of sustainable practices,” he pointed out. Sunbiz,
Traveloka’s recently published white paper revealed that 37% of Malaysians prefer domestic travel, driven by factors such as affordability, convenience and safety.
“These trends emphasize the importance of investing in localized digital platforms, providing practical and visible sustainable travel options, and designing value-driven experiences that align with travelers’ growing expectations.
“By adopting these changes, businesses can better meet the needs of travelers and remain competitive in a constantly changing environment,” Caesar said.
To stimulate domestic tourism growth in 2025, he said, domestic tourism operators should focus on initiatives that showcase local attractions while offering personalized, value-focused experiences that align with changing traveler preferences. Are.
He said travel businesses can partner with eco-friendly hotels, such as Traveloka’s partners, certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and collaborate with local communities to create authentic, sustainable travel experiences.
Additionally, the white paper indicates that travelers in Apac cite cost and difficulty finding sustainable options as primary barriers to choosing them.
“Providing competitive pricing and increasing access to eco-friendly options will be key to driving greater adoption among travelers.
“Our white paper indicates that 37% of Malaysians prefer domestic travel, influenced by affordability, convenience and safety factors. With 46% of Malaysians saying price is an important consideration when choosing accommodation, bundling home accommodation, transport and activities into an affordable package can meet the needs of Malaysian travellers.
“Offering promotions for off-peak travel and loyalty programs can further encourage repeat visits,” Caesar said. He said promotions and discounts are key to capturing Malaysia’s price-sensitive travellers.
Based on the white paper, 39% are willing to explore destinations they might not normally choose if the deals are attractive.
“To remain competitive, travel operators must go beyond the usual offers by using data analytics to find the right audience and timing. Personalized, value-driven promotions tailored to traveler profiles can drive higher conversions, increase loyalty and maximize returns, Caesar said.
Asked to elaborate on travel operators exploring new options or technologies to streamline the payments process, Caesar said payments preferences vary widely across the APAC region, driven by cultural differences and varying levels of technology adoption. Are inspired by levels.
“It is important to understand customer behavior and tailor payment solutions accordingly. We believe this will enhance the customer experience, foster trust and lead to higher engagement and loyalty. For travel businesses, the key goes beyond offering multiple options like buy now-pay later, digital wallets and QR (quick response) code payments,” he said.
Regarding the challenges expected by industry players and operators in the Malaysian and wider APAC travel market in 2025, Caesar said the need for innovative solutions to address different levels of digital maturity, balancing domestic and international travel preferences and the cost of sustainable options. it occurs.
“By focusing on localized, affordable offerings and leveraging technology to create personalized experiences, operators can successfully address these challenges in 2025,” he said.
Founded in Indonesia in 2012, Traveloka has expanded its operations to Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and the Philippines, offering 24/7 support in local languages and accepting over 40 payment methods.
With nearly 140 million app downloads and approximately 50 million monthly active users, Traveloka is one of the most popular travel apps in the region.
