PORT DICKSON, March 13, 2025 – Tourism Malaysia intensified its efforts to bolster collaboration with tourism industry stakeholders during an engagement session held today at Lexis Hibiscus in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, as part of preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).
The event builds on the momentum from the first session held in Petaling Jaya last January, following the official launch of the VMY2026 logo, theme song, promotional video, and mascot. This initiative aims to solidify the direction of the national tourism industry and generate momentum toward achieving VMY2026’s targets.
Officiated by Dato’ Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the session brought together representatives from government agencies, tourism associations, airlines, hotel operators, tourism product providers, and local travel agents. Discussions focused on industry strategies and fostering partnerships to ensure the success of VMY2026.
Dato’ Shaharuddin emphasized the critical role of public-private collaboration in positioning Negeri Sembilan as a leading tourism destination in Malaysia. “The industry must be ready to seize opportunities through various government-backed initiatives to make VMY2026 a success,” he said.
He highlighted MOTAC’s allocation of RM130 million to enhance air connectivity through programs like the Aviation and Charter Sector Grant (GSPC), Tourism Sector Support Grant (GSSP), and Travel Incentive Program (GAMELAN). “Close cooperation with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), as well as local and international airlines, will continue to open new routes and boost flight capacity from key markets such as West Asia, China, India, and Central Asia,” he added.
The session was also attended by Puan Nicole Tan Lee Koon, Negeri Sembilan’s EXCO for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, and state tourism industry representatives.
The program featured presentations on VMY2026 promotional initiatives, industry discussions, and a Business-to-Business (B2B) session to unlock further collaboration opportunities among local tourism players.
In 2024, Malaysia recorded 38 million tourist arrivals, a 31.1% increase from 2023, with top markets including Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei, India, the Philippines, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan. For VMY2026, Malaysia aims to attract 45 million tourists, targeting RM270 billion in tourism revenue.
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