A stronger ringgit is unleashing Malaysians’ demand for premium travel destinations, experiences

Travel platforms and money changers say the firmer currency is loosening residents’ purse strings for trips abroad

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Long queues formed at forex counters in a Kuala Lumpur shopping mall on November 19, as the strengthening ringgit boosted demand for foreign currency. TANG CHIAN HUEY

[KUALA LUMPUR/JOHOR BAHRU] As the ringgit climbs, Malaysians are dreaming bigger, widening their travel horizons from Paris and London to Istanbul, even as traditional favourites such as Bangkok, Tokyo and Bali remain strong.

Travel platforms and money changers said the stronger currency is unleashing a surge in overseas plans, with Expedia logging a 50 to 60 per cent jump in searches over the past three months.

Japan and China are leading the rebound, while Europe is edging back into itineraries.

Malaysia tourism Ringgit Asean Asia-Pacific Asean Business