PAHANG RECORDS 15.2 MLN TOURIST ARRIVALS IN 2025

KUANTAN, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- Pahang recorded 15,2 million tourist arrivals, with an estimated expenditure of RM13.72 billion last year, surpassing the state government's target of 14 million tourists.

Pahang Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Man said the total amount shows an increase of 11.21 per cent compared to 13.73 million tourists in 2024.

"This number only takes into account tourists who stay at least one night and does not include day tourists; if the number of day tourists were included, this figure would be much larger.

"For hotel occupancy rates, Pahang has also recorded the highest occupancy percentage for the third consecutive year at 75.6 per cent compared to other states," she said at a press conference here today.

For 2026, Leong said her team would focus on the beautification and upgrading of major tourist destinations, improving tourism support facilities, strengthening international promotions, as well as providing continuous support for small entrepreneurs, cultural practitioners and community tourism operators.

In this regard, she said the state government intends to make 2026 the Year of Empowering the Pahang Tourism Community, to ensure the influx of tourists translates into job opportunities, income, and the strengthening of the local identity.

In terms of event organisation, more than 50 activities have been listed in the Pahang Tourism Calendar 2026, including international-level events such as the Pahang International Green Eye Squid Hunting, Pesta Pelita Raya Pahang, World Music Festival 2026 -- ‘Soul of Pahang’, and the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge 2026.

-- BERNAMA