6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Airbnb injects RM9.2bil into Malaysian economy in 2024, driving RM2.1bil in wages
KUALA LUMPUR: Airbnb generated RM9.2 billion in economic impact for Malaysia in 2024, accounting for 5 per cent of the tourism sector's contribution to the nation's gross domestic product (GDP), according to a new report released by Oxford Economics.
The report, The Economic Impact of Airbnb in Malaysia (May 2025), highlights the expanding footprint of the short-term rental platform, which supported about 93,600 jobs nationwide and contributed RM2.1 billion in total wage income.
"Malaysia's tourism recovery reflects a strong and resilient demand for domestic travel. Malaysian travellers are instrumental in driving the resurgence in the tourism sector. At the same time, traditional international markets, especially those within the APAC region, remain important sources of inbound tourists, reinforcing Malaysia's appeal as an attractive travel destination in the region," said James Lambert, director of economic consulting Asia for Oxford Economics.
Domestic guests accounted for 67 per cent of Airbnb stays in Malaysia in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and reflecting a rebound in local travel appetite. Meanwhile, international travellers made up 33 per cent of Airbnb's guest base – more than double their share in 2022. The majority of these guests came from within Asia Pacific, underlining Malaysia's strengthened positioning in the global tourism map.
Airbnb guests spent a total of RM11 billion in Malaysia last year, encompassing accommodation and on-the-ground expenditures such as dining, retail, and transport. On average, guests stayed two nights and spent RM640 per day on non-accommodation essentials. For every RM1,000 spent, RM290 went to restaurants and shopping, RM160 to arts and entertainment, and RM110 and RM140 to groceries and transport, respectively.
Airbnb's economic ripple extended well beyond traditional tourism sectors. In 2024, the platform's activity directly supported RM1.4 billion in manufacturing output, RM1.2 billion in both transport & storage and food & beverage services, and over RM1 billion in wholesale and retail trade.
In terms of employment, Airbnb tourism sustained 37,200 jobs in food and beverage, 13,400 in wholesale and retail, 10,300 in transport and storage, and 9,700 in arts and entertainment. These roles translated into tangible wage benefits, with Airbnb activity contributing around RM376 million in food and beverage wages, RM332 million in manufacturing wages, and RM281 million in transport and storage sector wages, highlighting a broad and meaningful economic uplift across communities.
Meanwhile, travel in Malaysia showed that it was moving beyond the big cities. In 2024, over half of all Airbnb guest spending took place outside Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
There was also a 68 per cent increase in non-urban accommodation spending compared to 2019, signalling growing interest in exploring lesser-known parts of the country.
Notably, areas outside Kuala Lumpur and Selangor accounted for 62 per cent of Airbnb's total GDP contribution in Malaysia, helping support 63,500 jobs and RM1.3 billion in wages, delivering meaningful economic impact to local communities across the country.
