Airbnb’s wishlist for Malaysia Budget 2026

Airbnb commends the Malaysian government for its steadfast commitment to long-term economic growth and resilience, which are essential foundations for the development of the tourism industry. These proactive efforts will play a key role in supporting the objectives of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) and the 13th Malaysia Plan, helping to transform the tourism sector into a high-income, sustainable, and globally competitive industry by 2030.

As a key player in Malaysia’s tourism economy, Airbnb continues to contribute meaningfully to the tourism economy growth. According to a 2025 Oxford Economics Report commissioned by Airbnb, spending associated with Airbnb contributed RM9.2 billion to Malaysia’s GDP in 2024 alone, equivalent to approximately 5 percent of the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to GDP, while supporting 93,600 local jobs in various business activities.

Looking ahead, we believe that the sharing economy can play a crucial role in further extending the benefits of tourism to more communities. In this context, and ahead of the Budget announcement on 10 October, Airbnb has outlined several policy recommendations for the Government’s consideration, including:

• Recognising the potential of home sharing to empower communities through tourism: Tourism remains a powerful avenue for economic empowerment, particularly for women, youth, and micro-entrepreneurs. We propose the introduction of targeted programs under Budget 2026 to help Malaysians leverage digital platforms to supplement household income, expand local entrepreneurship, and encourage homeownership in line with national housing priorities to ensure that the benefits of VMY2026 and tourism growth are shared widely

• Driving success of VMY2026: The year ahead presents a historic opportunity to boost arrivals, extend stays, and showcase Malaysia’s cultural and natural attractions. We encourage the government to allocate funding for destination marketing, digital infrastructure upgrades, and local community tourism initiatives. Airbnb is committed to working with Tourism Malaysia and local authorities to promote Malaysia globally and highlight unique, locally hosted experiences.

• Promoting a fair and practical review of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (TIA): Airbnb welcomes the Government’s ongoing review of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (TIA) and supports efforts to modernize the framework. We encourage provisions that ensure a level playing field, promote innovation, and strengthen consumer protection. A forward-looking approach will enhance industry competitiveness and reinforce Malaysia’s position as a leading tourism hub.

• Fair and progressive National Short-term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Guidelines: Airbnb understands that the Government is tabling national STRA guidelines in Malaysia this year, and has actively provided feedback to support their development. We urge the adoption of fair, progressive guidelines that are not restrictive to hosts and local authorities, while providing clarity for the STRA industry and unlocking greater economic opportunities for Malaysians. As the first national framework of its kind in Southeast Asia, timely adoption will showcase Malaysia’s leadership in embracing innovation and strengthening its tourism economy ahead of VMY2026.

Airbnb stands ready to work closely with the Government and industry stakeholders to support and implement solutions that foster a strong and cohesive tourism ecosystem. We look forward to the tabling of Budget 2026, with the hope that Airbnb and our host community can continue contributing to the travel sector and broader economic growth.