Visa has revealed findings from the Malaysian edition of its 2026 Global Travel Intentions (GTI) study, showing that despite rising costs, Malaysians are travelling more intentionally by prioritising familiar destinations and emphasizing digital tools and payment confidence in their travel journeys.
The study has been looking at global travel habits and preferences for more than 20 years. It surveyed over 47,000 people worldwide, including more than 17,000 in the Asia Pacific region and about 1,000 in Malaysia.
Malaysian travelers are mostly staying in the region, with nearly eight in ten (78%) choosing Asia Pacific as their main travel spot. Japan is the most popular destination, followed by Thailand, Indonesia, Mainland China, and Singapore.
While being familiar with a place matters, travel choices are becoming more intentional. Relaxation is the main reason for travel (48%), followed by spending time with family and friends (40%) and seeking new experiences (31%). Cost (36%) and safety (31%) are also important factors in choosing destinations. This shows a trend where travelers are looking for experiences that feel enjoyable and easy to manage.
Interest in travel for special events is also growing among Malaysians, with many wanting to attend international sporting events, concerts, and festivals like the FIFA World Cup 2026, Formula 1, and K-Pop in the next two to three years. This highlights how experiences greatly influence travel decisions.
As travel becomes more deliberate, planning is increasingly digital. Malaysians focus more on accommodation, transportation, insurance, visa requirements, and destination conditions before departure. AI plays a significant role in this process, with 58 per cent of users employing it to discover destinations and 54 per cent for itinerary creation. AI also helps in reading reviews, comparing prices, and guiding travel decisions with clarity and confidence.
Payments are now a crucial part of travel preparation. Malaysian travellers check foreign exchange rates, payment acceptance, and security before leaving, viewing payments as essential for a smooth experience. Digital and card-based payments are vital, with mobile wallets leading in usage. As seamless and secure digital payments become the norm, they empower Malaysians to explore effortlessly.
Malaysian travellers are adopting a strategic approach to trip planning, booking essentials such as accommodation (86%), travel insurance (85%), and transportation (76%) in advance for reassurance. However, they prefer to keep dining, local transport, and experiences flexible, allowing for real-time adjustments during their trips. This shift in behaviour indicates a more evolved travel mindset that balances planning with spontaneity. For businesses and issuers, engaging Malaysian travellers throughout their journey presents new opportunities, especially as digital travel evolves. Seamless and secure payment methods are essential to reducing friction and encouraging exploration across borders.
“The latest Global Travel Intentions study affirms that Malaysians are not stepping back from travel — they are becoming more intentional and deliberate in how they plan and experience it. We are seeing a stronger emphasis on value, safety and purposeful experiences, as digital‑first travellers take a more practical approach to planning, increasingly supported by tools like AI. What matters now is how we enable travellers across the entire journey — from discovery and planning to booking and spending — so they can explore, pursue their passions and travel with greater confidence. This is where seamless, secure and widely accepted payment experiences play a critical role, helping Malaysians move across borders with ease at every stage of their journey,” said Jason Phua, Head of Clients, Visa Malaysia.