PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are being encouraged to explore local holiday destinations through affordable travel packages and special promotions at Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia (SKCCM) 2026, as domestic tourism continues to grow.
Tourism Malaysia director-general Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said the carnival, held at Sunway Pyramid today, was part of efforts to promote domestic travel while encouraging Malaysians to spend their holidays within the country.
The launching ceremony was also attended by Star Media Group (SMG) chief executive officer (CEO) Chan Seng Fatt, SMG chief operating officer (COO) Lydia Wang, Tourism Malaysia Senior Director Mohd Roslan Abdullah and Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general Wizani Rosmin.
“The four previous editions had recorded a combined RM2.5mil in sales, expressing hope that the Selangor edition would build on that momentum.
“This is one of the things we do to promote domestic tourism,” he said during the launch on Saturday (Oct 24).
Amirul said Malaysia recorded 151.6 million domestic tourist trips up to June this year, generating RM66.8bil in spending, a 14% increase compared with the corresponding period last year.
The event features 40 booths offering promotions across various tourism segments, including water theme parks, travel agencies, resorts, glamping sites, museums, zoos and other attractions.
“Domestic tourism is important in keeping spending within the country while supporting tourism operators, accommodation providers, attractions and local businesses,” he said.
Selangor was chosen to host the latest edition because it recorded the highest number of domestic tourists in Malaysia, with 36.4 million trips, he said.
The state also contributed 48 million domestic tourist trips to other destinations, up from 37 million in the previous year, representing an increase of about 30%.
“The carnival provided an opportunity for visitors to discover destinations and activities they might not have considered before, including lesser-known attractions and nature-based experiences,” he said.
“Explore, Experience and Excite” is the theme of this year's carnival, which aims to encourage Malaysians to discover local destinations and appreciate the country's tourism offerings.
He said domestic tourism was not only about visitor numbers but also about creating employment and business opportunities for Malaysians.
Amirul urged visitors to take advantage of the promotions and discover more of what Malaysia has to offer.
He also thanked Star Media Group, tourism industry players and sponsors for supporting efforts to strengthen domestic tourism and encourage Malaysians to appreciate local destinations.
“This carnival will help sustain interest in domestic travel as Malaysia continues its tourism promotion efforts into 2027,” he said.
Among the exhibitors is Ombak Dive Resort on Perhentian Island, which is offering a reduced booking deposit of RM100 for packages covering scuba diving, snorkelling and other activities, compared with its usual RM200 deposit.
Its representative, Mustaqim Ismail, said visitors could also take part in activities such as fire shows, movie screenings and coral planting, including programmes for non-divers.
Trinidad Hospitality is promoting packages across its portfolio of Malaysian hotels and resorts, including properties in Langkawi, Fraser's Hill, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Melaka and Johor.
Its representative Rob Tan said the offerings catered to different travellers, including families, couples, groups and visitors interested in heritage experiences.
Meanwhile, Desaru Fruit Farm is offering packages combining accommodation, water park access and farm activities.
Representative Steve Er said a two-day, one-night package at Desaru Coast was being offered at RM699 per room, including breakfast for two and water park access for two adults.
Visitors can also explore activities at the fruit farm, including all-terrain vehicle rides and encounters with animals.
For visitor Daniel Tan, 38, who attended the carnival with his family, said the event offered a convenient way to compare holiday packages and discover local attractions.
“Sometimes we tend to look at overseas destinations, but Malaysia also has many interesting places to visit,” he said.
He added that promotions at the carnival could help families plan their year-end holidays while keeping their travel expenses manageable.
“It is useful to see different packages in one place, especially when planning a trip with children,” he said.
Another visitor, Mohd Redzuan Hassan, 42, said the carnival offered a convenient way to plan a family holiday ahead of the year-end school break.
"The island travel packages caught our attention, and we're very interested in outdoor activities such as scuba diving," he said.
Another visitor, Nurul Suhadah, who attended with her family, said she was exploring the available offers while considering destinations for an upcoming trip.
