Tourism Malaysia has encouraged all states to introduce new tourism packages, including niche interest-based options, in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
Its deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said this initiative is crucial to attract both domestic and international tourists, while positioning Malaysia as a preferred travel destination.
“To ensure VM2026 succeeds, I urge all parties to support this campaign as a national mission by introducing new tourism products in their respective states.
“Priority should be given to preparing for domestic and international visitors by improving infrastructure, cleanliness, and developing new tourism packages, including those based on special interests,” he told reporters after officiating the Tourism Malaysia Engagement Session with Penang’s tourism industry players recently.
Yeoh added that such packages would not only diversify Malaysia’s tourism offerings but also attract travellers with specific interests such as ecotourism, health tourism, cultural heritage, and agritourism.
He emphasised the need to improve connectivity from second- and third-tier cities through strategic collaboration with the Transport Ministry and airline companies to increase routes and flight frequencies from key markets.
The Penang engagement session was the 11th one held, following similar sessions done in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Sabah, Sarawak, Melaka, Pahang, Perak, and Kedah. These sessions aim to provide a platform for stakeholders to share ideas and strengthen preparations for VM2026.
Yeoh said the campaign aligns with Malaysia’s role as Asean chair this year, presenting an opportunity not only to showcase the nation’s tourism appeal but also to demonstrate our leadership in regional tourism development.
He said that the Asean Tourism Forum held in Johor in January marked the beginning of Malaysia’s international tourism promotion. The country will also host two major global events – the World Tourism Conference and World Tourism Day – in Melaka this September.
As of February, Malaysia recorded 6.7 million foreign arrivals, a 31.3% increase compared to the same period last year. The government has set a target of 45 million tourist arrivals and RM270bil in tourism revenue for 2025.
“A total of RM400mil has been allocated for the VM2026 campaign, covering marketing, promotion, and the organisation of key events. In addition, RM130mil in grants will support tourism industry growth through initiatives such as the Travel Promotion Matching Grant, Tourism Sector Support Grant, and Charter Flight Matching Grant,” he said. – Bernama
