SERDANG: Innovative and impactful initiatives like The Great Outdoor (TGO) Expo 2025 play an important role as the nation prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said the event brings together adventure, culture and community on one platform while showcasing Malaysia’s unique strengths as a preferred tourist destination.
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“The Great Outdoor Expo and the Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malay-sia are more than just events. They are important platforms that highlight Malaysia’s tourism direction.
“By focusing on eco-tourism, sustainability and innovation, they show our commitment to responsible and future-ready tourism,” he said at the launch of TGO at MAEPS Serdang yesterday.
All smiles: Manoharan (second from right) and Chan (centre) at the launch of TGO 2025. Also present were (from left) Ng, Rafidah and Wang. — FAIHAN GHANI and RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
The three-day expo is in collaboration with Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia (KCCM).
According to the Statistics Department, Manoharan said, the country recorded over 260 million domestic visitors last year, an increase of 21.7% compared to 213.7 million in 2023.
He said local programmes will further positively impact the tourism industry, promoting domestic travel among the public.
Visitors enjoying a day outdoors at TGO and Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2025.
“Even more impressively, domestic tourism expenditure surged by 25.7% to reach RM106.7bil last year.
“These achievements represent jobs created in kampungs and cities, opportunities for small businesses and artisans, and renewed pride in Malaysia’s landscapes and heritage,” he said.
Star Media Group (SMG) group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said TGO’s second edition is bigger and better, featuring more activities for families.
This year, Chan said, the TGO collaborated with Tourism Malaysia in presenting the Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia, reinforcing the role of tourism in nation-building and pride.
“At Star Media Group, we believe in creating meaningful experiences that connect people. Last year’s inaugural TGO brought Malaysians together in a shared passion for outdoors.
“This year, we return with a bigger and bolder edition. It is about celebrating adventure, discovery and the beauty of our environment.
“More importantly, it reminds us that Malaysia’s natural treasures, from Mount Kinabalu to Sipadan, and rainforests to pristine beaches, are a source of our well-being, economic growth and national pride,” he said during the launch of the expo.
TGO, which ends today, has over 200 booths and more than 100 exhibitors featuring an array of activities such as 4x4 Adventure by Toyota, fishing events by OAG Worldwide, and innovative gear from 10Camp. It also features family fun events with Bangi Wonderland, as well as extreme sports, a Fun Run, colouring contests, a petting zoo and more.
Chan thanked Tourism Malaysia for its collaboration in this year’s TGO, the largest outdoor recreation expo to date.
Fun run: Manoharan (far left) and Chan flagging off participants of the Fun Run at TGO 2025.
“An event of this scale is only possible with strong collaboration. On behalf of Star Media Group, I extend my deepest thanks to Tourism Malaysia for their steadfast partnership, to our valued sponsors and exhibitors for their support, and to the dedicated teams who worked tirelessly to make this event a success,” he said.
Also present at the launch were Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general Datin Rafidah Idris, SMG chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang.
GTO 2025 highlights Malaysia’s diverse eco-tourism and outdoor recreation offerings.
Admission is free. Visitors can participate in a variety of activities, including wall climbing, virtual reality (VR) adventure simulators, zipline rides and camping demonstrations.
The Expo also brings together exhibitors showcasing the latest outdoor equipment, camping gear and eco-friendly travel concepts such as glamping resorts and eco-villages, reflecting the growing interest in responsible tourism and nature-based escapades.
