Rebecca PY MALAYSIA, 6 JULY 2026 – Visa has released new findings from the Malaysian edition of its 2026 Global Travel Intentions study, showing that amid rising costs and shifting global dynamics, Malaysians are not travelling less but are instead becoming more intentional, prioritising familiar destinations, planning more practically, and placing greater emphasis on digital tools and payment confidence throughout their travel journeys. The study, which has tracked global travel patterns for more than two decades, surveyed over 47,000 respondents worldwide, including more than 17,000 in Asia Pacific and around a thousand in Malaysia.
The findings show Malaysian travellers are increasingly staying within the region, with nearly eight in ten respondents choosing Asia Pacific as their primary travel region, with Japan leading as the top intended destination, followed by Thailand, Indonesia, Mainland China and Singapore. While familiarity remains important, travel decisions are becoming more purposeful, with relaxation the top motivation, followed by spending time with family and friends and exploring new experiences. Affordability and safety are also playing an increasingly important role in shaping destination choices, reflecting travellers balancing comfort with discovery. Passion-led travel is also gaining momentum, with Malaysians expressing interest in travelling for global events over the next two to three years, including major sporting events, concerts and festivals such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, Formula 1 and K-Pop shows.
Digital-first planning is also reshaping how Malaysians prepare for trips, with travellers taking a more methodical approach that includes checks on insurance, visa requirements and destination conditions ahead of departure. AI is emerging as a key part of this process, particularly for early-stage decisions, with 58 percent of those using AI for planning relying on it to discover destinations and 54 percent using it to build itineraries, while others use it to read reviews and compare prices. Visa notes this signals that digital tools are increasingly influencing not just how trips are optimised, but where travellers choose to go.
Payments are also becoming a more deliberate part of travel preparation, with Malaysian travellers proactively checking foreign exchange rates, payment acceptance, card compatibility and security before departure. Mobile wallets are leading usage among digital and card-based payment methods, with cards remaining a core payment tool as travellers rely on these options across borders.
The study also found Malaysian travellers are becoming more strategic in structuring their trips, securing essentials such as accommodation, travel insurance and transportation well in advance, while keeping flexibility for decisions made closer to or during the trip, such as dining, local transport and experiences.
Jason Phua, Head of Clients at Visa Malaysia, said the study affirms that Malaysians are not stepping back from travel but are becoming more intentional and deliberate in how they plan and experience it, with a stronger emphasis on value, safety and purposeful experiences as digital-first travellers take a more practical approach supported by tools like AI. He added that enabling travellers across the entire journey, from discovery and planning to booking and spending, is key, with seamless, secure and widely accepted payment experiences playing a critical role in helping Malaysians move across borders with confidence.
