Doable! Tourism Malaysia Confident VM 2026 Will Hit 35.6 Mln Visitor Target

By Muhammad Adil Muzaffar Mohd Fisol

SEPANG, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia is confident that the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM 2026) campaign will successfully attract over 35.6 million tourists next year, driving a significant boost to the nation’s tourism sector.

Its director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said the campaign offers a prime opportunity for Malaysia to showcase its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and world-class tourism infrastructure as its main attractions.

“This campaign will strengthen the readiness of the tourism industry, particularly in areas like infrastructure, tour packages, and other essential facilities, to ensure that Malaysia becomes a top destination for tourists, not just from abroad, but also from within the country,” Manoharan told Bernama after the VM 2026 launch in Sepang yesterday.

Manoharan said a key focus for the campaign will be attracting tourists from major markets such as China, India, the Middle East and ASEAN, all of which benefit from direct flight connections to Malaysia.

“With over 3,100 direct flights operating from these countries to Malaysia, we are well-positioned to market the country as a top tourist destination,” he said.

He also highlighted the campaign’s emphasis on experiential tourism, offering exciting and more personalised tour packages.

One of the main highlights will be giving tourists the chance to experience Malaysia's cultural diversity and heritage, including culinary adventures and the opportunity to interact with locals through homestays, he said.

Manoharan said the campaign also aims to encourage Malaysians to explore their own country, discovering hidden gems that may not yet be widely known.

“We want to inspire Malaysians to travel within their own country. There are so many beautiful and undiscovered places here that deserve attention,” he said.

“Tourism operators and attractions owners will play a critical role in this by strengthening collaborations to increase domestic travel,” he added.

Manoharan also pointed out that the campaign would further solidify the ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’ brand, which has been closely associated with the country since its launch in 1998.

“This brand has great influence. Whenever Malaysia is mentioned internationally, the immediate response is ‘Truly Asia.’

“To amplify this recognition, we’ve introduced the new theme ‘Surreal Experience,’ which embodies the unique and unforgettable experiences Malaysia offers,” he said.

He said the success of the VM 2026 campaign depends on strong partnerships between all stakeholders, including tourism industry players, airlines, hoteliers and media organisations.

“We aim to form strategic partnerships with these groups to ensure the success of Visit Malaysia 2026,” Manoharan said.

The official launch of the VM 2026 campaign yesterday unveiled a fresh logo, mascot, theme song and aircraft livery. 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who officiated the campaign launch, projected that it would generate RM147.1 billion in revenue with a target of 35.6 million tourist arrivals.

-- BERNAMA