Latest news with #AmanpreetBajaj
Sinar Daily
4 days ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Airbnb contributes RM9.2 billion to Malaysia's economy in 2024
Travel in Malaysia is expanding beyond major cities, with more than half of Airbnb guests' spending in 2024 occurring outside Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. 07 Aug 2025 08:00pm Travel in Malaysia is expanding beyond major cities, with more than half of Airbnb guests' spending in 2024 occurring outside Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. - 123RF photo for illustration purpose only KUALA LUMPUR - Airbnb activity contributed RM9.2 billion to Malaysia's economy in 2024, accounting for about five per cent of the tourism sector's gross domestic product (GDP), according to a survey by Oxford Economics. In a statement, the American vacation rental company said the online platform also supported four per cent of tourism-related employment, equivalent to one in every 26 jobs in the industry. Overall, it said Airbnb-linked economic activity helped support around 93,600 jobs and contributed RM2.1 billion in wage income. "Beyond front-line tourism sectors, Airbnb-generated activity injected significant value into the wider economy: contributing almost RM1.4 billion in manufacturing, RM1.2 billion in transport and storage, RM1.2 billion in food and beverage services, and over RM1.0 billion in wholesale and retail trade,' Airbnb said. The survey also found that Airbnb guests' spending in Malaysia, which includes accommodation and non-accommodation expenses, reached RM11 billion in 2024. It said host earnings further support local economies through property upkeep, domestic services, and personal consumption. Additionally, it highlighted a strong rebound in domestic travel, with Malaysian travellers making up 67 per cent of Airbnb guests in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2019. International travellers accounted for the remaining 33 per cent, more than double their share from 2022, reflecting Malaysia's rising global appeal, it said. Malaysians are rediscovering the joy of domestic travel Airbnb said that among international guests, over 80 per cent were from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, reaffirming the importance of APAC markets as key inbound sources. Travel in Malaysia is also expanding beyond major cities, with more than half of Airbnb guests' spending in 2024 occurring outside Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. The company said these non-urban areas contributed 62 per cent of Airbnb's GDP impact, supported 63,500 jobs, and generated RM1.3 billion in wages. Airbnb's country head for Southeast Asia and India Amanpreet Bajaj said that with more than half of stays happening outside the major areas of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Airbnb is helping spread the economic benefits to more communities in Malaysia. "It is incredibly rewarding to know that Airbnb is helping local businesses thrive, creating jobs, and spreading economic benefits across the country,' he said. - BERNAMA More Like This
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Airbnb boosts Malaysia's economy with RM9.2 billion in 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: Airbnb activity contributed RM9.2 billion to Malaysia's economy in 2024, making up five per cent of the tourism sector's GDP, according to an Oxford Economics survey. The online platform supported four per cent of tourism-related employment, equating to one in every 26 jobs in the industry. Airbnb-linked economic activity helped sustain around 93,600 jobs and generated RM2.1 billion in wage income. Beyond tourism, Airbnb injected RM1.4 billion into manufacturing, RM1.2 billion into transport and storage, and RM1.2 billion into food and beverage services. Guest spending on accommodation and other expenses reached RM11 billion in 2024. Host earnings further boosted local economies through property maintenance, services, and personal spending. Domestic travel rebounded strongly, with Malaysians making up 67 per cent of Airbnb guests, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. International travellers accounted for 33 per cent of guests, more than double their 2022 share. Over 80 per cent of international guests came from the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting its importance as a key market. More than half of Airbnb guest spending occurred outside Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Non-urban areas contributed 62 per cent of Airbnb's GDP impact and supported 63,500 jobs. Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb's country head for Southeast Asia and India, said the platform helps distribute economic benefits nationwide. He added that Airbnb's role in supporting local businesses and job creation is highly rewarding. - Bernama
Sinar Daily
22-06-2025
- Sinar Daily
Malaysians are rediscovering the joy of domestic travel
By DANIAL HAKIM 22 Jun 2025 01:00pm According to Airbnb's latest travel insights and data, Malaysia was the number one most visited country by Malaysian Airbnb guests in 2024, surpassing worldwide-favourite international destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia. Photo: Canva THE joy of old-school region hopping has once more struck among local Malaysians as domestic travels surge like never before. According to Airbnb's latest travel insights and data, Malaysia was the number one most visited country by Malaysian Airbnb guests in 2024, surpassing worldwide-favourite international destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia. As a result, this trend reflects a shift in travel behaviour as Malaysians seek out more intimate, flexible, and culturally connected experiences without leaving their own backyard. 'It is encouraging to see Malaysians continuing to explore and celebrate the richness of their own country. 'The growing trend of domestic travel, led by millennial guests, reflects a broader shift toward more meaningful, connected, and flexible travel,' Airbnb country head for India and Southeast Asia, Amanpreet Bajaj said. While major cities like Kuala Lumpur remain firm favourites, off-the-beaten-path destinations are becoming increasingly popular. Hulu Langat in Selangor and Kinta in Perak were among the top ten most visited local cities on Airbnb in 2024 by Malaysian guests — a clear indication of rising interest in nature-filled retreats and lesser-known escapades. From rainforest getaways to riverside kampungs, these alternative destinations offer a different kind of travel, one that is much slower, more intentional, and often more rejuvenating. Airbnb also interestingly noted that solo travel in Malaysia rose by 31 per cent year-on-year, showing a growing appetite for self-exploration and mindful escapes. Photo: Canva Malaysia isn't just winning local hearts — it's also drawing international eyes. Kuala Lumpur ranked among the top three most booked cities in Southeast Asia by international Airbnb guests in 2024, standing proudly alongside regional heavyweights like Bangkok. This further positions Malaysia strongly as it gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, with increasing global interest in its diverse travel offerings — from heritage-rich towns and island escapes to vibrant urban hubs. The year 2024 also saw millennials (aged 30 to 39) emerging as the leading demographic for Airbnb bookings in Malaysia, further cementing the age group as one of the leading voices for travel buffs locally and globally when it comes to the Malaysian landscape. It was also interestingly noted that solo travel in Malaysia rose by 31 per cent year-on-year, showing a growing appetite for self-exploration and mindful escapes. Additionally, long-term stays increased by over 17 per cent, suggesting more travellers are opting for slower-paced journeys and 'work-from-anywhere' lifestyles. As Airbnb data suggests, the top cities visited by international Airbnb guests included Johor Bahru, Penang, Petaling Jaya, Melaka, Langkawi, and Kuching — a mix of culinary capitals, coastal gems, and culture-rich locales. On the flipside, the top inbound travellers to Malaysia came from Singapore, China, Indonesia, the US, and South Korea, highlighting Malaysia's continued appeal as a regional and global favourite. More Like This
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meet DOLLA in an exclusive hilltop Eid Open House
24 Apr - Airbnb's highly anticipated annual Riangnya Raya Open House is back, this time co-hosted by Malaysia's favourite girl group, DOLLA! Known for their electrifying performances and dynamic personalities, the three stars are stepping into a new spotlight - as Airbnb co-hosts! DOLLA will welcome one lucky guest with up to nine companions for one unforgettable weekend, to a memorable Raya getaway at the stunning Brickhouse Bukit Tinggi, just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur. "Raya is such a special time - it's a celebration of love, tradition, and meaningful connections" says DOLLA. "We're so excited to partner with Airbnb to host this open house and share the spirit of Raya with our fans in a more personal and heartfelt way. Get ready for good vibes, great food, and a Raya to remember!" "Raya is a time to reunite and reconnect with loved ones in spaces that feel like home," says Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb's Country Head, India and Southeast Asia. "We're thrilled to team up with DOLLA to bring people together for this special celebration, in true Malaysian spirit." Curated in collaboration with Malaysia's favourite girl group, DOLLA, this special Raya stay runs from 3 to 5 May 2025 at Brickhouse Bukit Tinggi. Priced at RM100 before taxes and fees; one guest will be selected, and can bring up to nine companions along for the two-night getaway. Guests will be responsible for their own travel to and from the Airbnb stay in Bentong, Pahang. Requests to book will open at 11 am MYT on April 25 at Guests can look forward to a personal welcome by DOLLA, an intimate festive meal shared with the trio and a special acoustic performance featuring some of their most popular hits. A live Q&A session with DOLLA will also be held where fans can hear more about their creative process and what's inspiring them lately. The Raya spirit doesn't stop at Brickhouse - DOLLA's acoustic performance and live Q&A will be streamed on their official TikTok (@dollaofficial), allowing fans everywhere to join in the festive celebrations.
