LOCAL tourism players have welcomed the decision to extend Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) until the end of 2027, saying the move could help the industry amid rising costs.
Mersing Tourism Association (MTA) secretary Ahmad Firdaus Shaik Omar said the extension was timely as tourism operators in Mersing were still adjusting to the impact of higher fuel prices.
“April to September is usually the busiest period for boat operators ferrying tourists to the islands.
“But bookings have been slow this year as many travellers are being more prudent due to rising costs,” he told StarMetro.
The fuel price hike has also affected boat operators and island resorts.
“Some resorts rely on diesel-powered generator sets, while boat operators depend on petrol.
“Because there are no government subsidies for petrol, operators have no choice but to increase prices.
“For example, a boat trip from Tanjung Leman jetty to Pulau Tinggi now costs about RM1,000 compared to RM700 before.”
With MTA just launching its tourism programme, he hopes fuel prices will stabilise soon to encourage tourists to return.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Johor chairman Ivan Teo said the extension would be beneficial to the state.
“Johor attracts many tourists from regional countries such as Singapore, Indonesia and China due to direct flights to Senai International Airport and easy access via the Causeway and Second Link.
“The extended campaign gives tourism bodies time to revisit strategies to attract more visitors.”
He added that Johor could capitalise on short-stay tourists, particularly Singaporeans, during this period to cushion the economic impact of high fuel prices.
“Many come for shopping, food and leisure but usually stay overnight elsewhere, like in Melaka or Kuala Lumpur.
“We need to convince them to spend the night here and offer more night programmes.
“The Johor Zoo now being open at night is a good example.”
It was reported that the second meeting of the VM2026 national steering committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had agreed to the extension to be presented to Cabinet for approval.
It is aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s tourism promotion strategies and positioning the country as a safe, stable and competitive destination amid shifting global travel trends and current developments, including the conflict in the Middle East.
Ahmad Zahid had said that the meeting also served to coordinate programmes and plan further initiatives to boost the VM2026 campaign.
“The government remains committed to ensuring that VM2026 is implemented effectively and comprehensively, with all parties playing their role in an integrated manner,” he had said.
