The tourism tug-of-war – concerts, cash and culture wars in Malaysia

[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia’s tourism industry appears to be delivering robust numbers from hotels, malls and airlines. But as the country leans harder on concerts, festival celebrations and global entertainment to woo visitors, it is running into a familiar wall: How much fun is too much for conservative Malaysia?

The tension has become more visible as the country pushes to revive tourism as a major economic driver while balancing the expectations of a multicultural society and the sensitivities of its more conservative constituents.

The recent Rain Rave Water Music Festival, held from Apr 30 to May 2, was promoted as part of efforts to boost Malaysia’s global tourism profile. It highlighted both the commercial potential and political sensitivity of entertainment-led tourism.