AIRBNB has urged the government to use Budget 2027 to strengthen domestic tourism, support community-based hosting and establish clearer rules for short-term rental accommodation (STRA).
In a wishlist ahead of Budget 2027, which will be tabled on Oct 9, Airbnb outlined five areas for consideration, including support for home sharing, tourism dispersal, accommodation for major events, regulatory reform and national STRA guidelines.
Airbnb Head of Public Policy, Southeast Asia, Shanta Arul said home sharing could help extend the economic benefits of tourism to communities, particularly women, young people and micro-entrepreneurs.
The company called for existing grant and financing programmes, including GAMELAN and initiatives under TEKUN Nasional, to be expanded to support areas such as digital literacy, safety and compliance, sustainable hosting and entrepreneurship.
Airbnb said it was complementing such efforts through its Airbnb Academy, including a collaboration with Yayasan Kebajikan Suria Malaysia (YKSM) aimed at equipping communities with practical skills for participation in the digital tourism economy.
The company also pointed to the growing strength of domestic tourism as an opportunity to spread visitor spending beyond established destinations.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Malaysia recorded 290.1 million domestic visitors in 2025, an 11.5% increase from the previous year. Domestic tourism expenditure rose 13.6% to RM121.3 bil.
Airbnb said Budget 2027 could support further growth through targeted destination marketing, greater digital discoverability, community tourism readiness and public-private partnerships, particularly in secondary cities, heritage districts and rural destinations.
The company said it would continue working with Tourism Malaysia and local authorities to promote lesser-known destinations, locally hosted accommodation and community experiences.
“Airbnb is proud to support and contribute to Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem,” said Shanta.
Airbnb cited its own economic-impact analysis, conducted using the IMPLAN model, which it said estimated that Airbnb-related activity contributed about RM8.3 bil to Malaysia’s GDP in 2025, supported approximately 108,300 jobs and generated about RM3 bil in labour income.
The company said the figures reflected direct, indirect and induced economic activity associated with its platform.
Airbnb also highlighted home sharing’s potential role in meeting accommodation needs beyond conventional tourism, including medical stays and major events.
It cited its collaboration with the National Cancer Society Malaysia through Airbnb.org, which provided accommodation for eligible patients and caregivers, as well as support for SUKMA and Para SUKMA Selangor 2026.
Airbnb said it was prepared to explore similar arrangements for future major events, including the 2027 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games.
On regulation, Airbnb welcomed the government’s review of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (TIA), saying reforms should promote a level playing field, innovation and consumer protection.
The review has been under way since 2023, with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) previously saying proposed amendments could include improvements to licensing, insurance protection, enforcement, registration of digital platforms and the establishment of a Tourism Tribunal.
Airbnb also called for national STRA guidelines that provide greater consistency across states while remaining practical for individual hosts and small businesses.
The company said clearer national standards could provide greater certainty for hosts and local authorities while supporting the development of the sector.
Airbnb’s call comes as the government prepares Budget 2027 under the three broad priorities of raising the ceiling for national growth, raising the floor for living standards and driving governance reform.
“Airbnb looks forward to the tabling of Budget 2027,” said Shanta.
“We stand ready to continue supporting the country’s sustainable tourism growth and its host community.”
The company said a supportive policy and regulatory environment could help Malaysia sustain the momentum of Visit Malaysia 2026 while advancing the 13th Malaysia Plan’s tourism ambitions.‒Sept 29, 2026
Main image: Pexels/Azri Suratmin
