INCREASED tourism activities during Visit Malaysia Year has helped Malaysia maintain a position in the top five in online accommodation website.

Bookings for 2007 were boosted by Tourism Malaysia’s success in increasing visitor arrivals as well as our local team’s success in increasing the number of Malaysian properties available on our site.

The frequent promotions by low-cost airlines, rising consumer confidence in booking online and increased intra-Asia travel, have assisted the growth in online accommodation bookings all over Asia, so maintaining a place amongst tough competition was no small feat.

Thailand moved up two spots from last year to take the top position for 2007. In second and third place are Singapore and Hong Kong respectively. Malaysia is fourth, followed by China.

As for the top Malaysian destinations in 2007, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Malacca held the top three positions for a consecutive year, with quality properties maintaining high occupancy levels all year round.

Langkawi showed the biggest improvement, moving up four spots from last year to fourth place. Other changes on the list were Pahang and Terengganu which both moved up a spot from their 2006 position and Negeri Sembilan which made it to the list for the first time.

Top Malaysian destinations 2007

1. Kuala Lumpur
2. Penang
3. Malacca
4. Langkawi
5. Pahang
6. Sabah
7. Sarawak
8. Johor
9. Terengganu
10. Negri Sembilan