KUALA LUMPUR, 7 August 2026: Tourism Australia’s flagship trade platform, Australia Marketplace Southeast Asia, was hosted in Kuala Lumpur last week, signalling significant opportunities for growth in tourism across the region.
Close to 200 delegates, uniting leading Australian tourism operators with key travel partners from six Southeast Asian markets — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Australia Marketplace Southeast Asia bridged the Australian tourism industry with Southeast Asia’s key travel agencies and tour operators through scheduled appointments and networking opportunities over two-and-a-half days.
Malaysia is an important, longstanding market for Australia, and industry relationships with key travel agencies and partners across the region are being strengthened.
Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager, South and Southeast Asia, Jennifer Doig commented: “Southeast Asia is a powerhouse region for Australia’s visitor economy, and we have seen incredible growth from the markets here. Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam continue to rank among the top source markets for arrivals in Australia, with Thailand and the Philippines showing strong potential for growth. Malaysia remains a vital market, and in the twelve months to May 2026, total arrivals from Malaysia grew by 10% year-on-year, bringing approximately 200,000 visitors to Australia and making it our 11th-largest international market.
“Tourism Australia’s platforms such as Australia Marketplace are crucial, empowering our local tourism industry to establish and strengthen relationships with the travel professionals who understand Southeast Asian travellers best. We look forward to welcoming the region’s diverse travellers with Australia’s premium and distinctive travel experiences.”
In the twelve months to May 2026, Australia recorded 9.16 million international short-term arrivals, up 9.5% year-on-year. Tourism Australia’s latest consumer research shows that Southeast Asian travellers, particularly those from Malaysia, rank key hubs such as Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and Perth as their most desirable Australian destinations, closely followed by experiences that feature beautiful natural scenery and unique wildlife.
Australia aims to be a destination for all, going above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences for travellers across Southeast Asia’s diverse segments, including high-yield travellers, groups, multi-generational families and Muslim travellers.
(Source: Tourism Australia)
