Tourism Malaysia and KL Hop-On Hop-Off operator Elang Wah Sdn Bhd launched a domestic tourism campaign using the iconic sightseeing buses to stimulate local travel during Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said domestic tourism remains a vital pillar of the nation's tourism industry, contributing significantly to local economic growth, job creation and community development.
"Initiatives such as this collaboration with KL Hop-On Hop-Off not only encourage Malaysians to rediscover the attractions and unique offerings available within our own cities but also strengthen industry participation and enrich the quality of tourism products and services showcased under Visit Malaysia 2026," he said at the campaign launch in KL recently.
Under the initiative, six KL Hop-On Hop-Off buses will feature specially designed wraps highlighting major tourism destinations across 15 states and federal territories, including the Sri Sendayan Mosque in Negri Sembilan and the Pinnacles of Mulu in Sarawak.
The bus wraps also incorporate interactive QR codes that direct passengers and onlookers to VM2026 travel deals, the official Calendar of Events (COE) and state tourism promotional websites.
The campaign comes on the back of a strong performance in the domestic tourism sector, which recorded a 21.3% increase in 2025, attracting 290.1 million visitors compared with 260.1 million in 2024.
Total domestic tourism expenditure also rose by 13.3% to RM121bil last year from RM106.7bil in 2024. – Bernama
