Mandarin Oriental adds a luxurious touch to Malaysia’s southern coast

 

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has kicked off 2026 with the launch of its first beach resort in South-East Asia. Located in Desaru Coast, a tourism destination in Johor, Malaysia, the property is expected to attract multi-generational travel groups as well as travellers seeking to blend business with pleasure. 

Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast takes over the former One&Only Desaru Coast. Refurbishments as well as new dining, spa and recreational concepts will be rolled out progressively across the 44-key all-suite resort. 

Speaking at the launch party on February 5, Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said the resort marked “the beginning of a new chapter” in the company’s history. 

According to Kleitman, Desaru Coast is a valuable and strategic addition to the group’s portfolio, as it is “genuinely unspoilt and increasingly dynamic, benefitting from rising tourism activity, improving accessibility, and very strong state-level in sustainable and cultural preservation”. 

“Set across 128 acres of ancient rainforest, the property offers something exceptionally rare – space, tranquility and authenticity. This aligns perfectly with our brand and reinforces our commitment to destinations with character, edge and long-term potential,” he added. 

Kleitman also expressed confidence in the southern state’s growing prominence in the Malaysian tourism industry. 

He revealed that a new residence project will soon rise adjacent to Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast. It will not only bring the brand’s reputable lifestyle and service quality to future residents, but also “contribute significantly to the long-term vibrancy of Desaru Coast”. 

Mohamed Nasri Sallehuddin, chairman of Destination Resorts and Hotels, the Malaysian-based company that develops and operates premium tourism projects in Desaru Coast, said the arrival of the Mandarin Oriental brand “enriches” the southern Malaysian coast “as a vibrant, year-round destination for fine resort living,” and sets a new luxury benchmark in the region that is “firmly rooted in its natural surroundings and cultural heritage”. 

Nasri added that Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast also “creates a meaningful career pathway for local talents to gain exposure to skills and global opportunities to one of the world’s most distinguished hospitality brands”. 

The resort is helmed by experienced hotelier Christian Gerart. He told TTG Asia that Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast would appeal to both leisure and corporate guests. He added that the Johor Baru–Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, which is expected to come into service by January 1, 2027, will further spur interest and demand. 

Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast offers spacious suites and villas, with a number of connecting suites for extended families. Daily complimentary activities, such as guided nature walks and archery, along with children programmes, will keep families entertained. 

The resort’s Grand Ballroom and two function rooms, proximity to a world-class golf course, and accessibility from Singapore by car and ferry make it an ideal destination for executive retreats, opined Anthony Tyler, area vice president, operations at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. 

“I believe that this resort will do so well because it is such a close getaway, one that offers a complete change of pace, scenery and rhythm from the big urban centres around us,” said Tyler.

-TTG Asia.

Tourism Malaysia Dan HWC Coffee Umum Kerjasama Strategik Sempena Kempen Melawat Malaysia 2026

 

KUALA LUMPUR — Tourism Malaysia hari ini mengumumkan HWC Coffee sebagai Rakan Strategik sempena Kempen Melawat Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) susulan majlis pengumuman kerjasama yang diadakan hari ini di Centre Court, Pavilion Bukit Jalil.

Kerjasama ini menandakan satu kerjasama strategik antara jenama kopi terkenal dan kempen pelancongan utama negara, dengan tujuan menyediakan pengalaman berasaskan kopi yang unik kepada pelawat tempatan dan antarabangsa. Inisiatif ini selari dengan objektif kempen VM2026 iaitu menyokong usaha berterusan untuk meningkatkan tawaran pelancongan Malaysia serta memperkaya pengalaman pengunjung melalui penglibatan berkonsepkan gaya hidup.

Encik Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia berkata, kerjasama strategik dengan sektor swasta adalah penting bagi memperkukuh dan mengembangkan ekosistem pelancongan negara. 

Beliau menekankan bahawa kolaborasi sebegini mencerminkan komitmen berterusan Tourism Malaysia untuk meluaskan capaian dan meningkatkan keterlihatan VM2026 melalui inisiatif inovatif berasaskan pengalaman, sambil mewujudkan asas kukuh bagi kempen pelancongan yang inklusif dan lestari.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Kerajaan digesa pertimbang kursus, lesen khas aktiviti pelancongan burung - NEST

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Pemandu pelancongan burung atau bird guide perlu mempunyai lesen khusus kerana dokumen itu bukan sekadar pengesahan rasmi, malah ia juga memberi jaminan pekerjaan, kualiti dan kepercayaan kepada perkhidmatan serta menjamin keselamatan dan kelestarian alam. 

Saranan itu disuarakan Pengerusi Pertubuhan Kelestarian Ekosistem Alam (NEST), Sulaiman Salikan yang berpandangan lesen khusus itu juga bukan sekadar memberi manfaat kepada pemandu pelancongan burung dan alam sekitar, tetapi juga memastikan pelancong tidak menerima maklumat salah, terutama pelancong antarabangsa yang sanggup membayar mahal untuk menikmati pengalaman berkualiti.

"Isu lesen bird guide ini sudah beberapa kali dikemukakan kepada pihak berwajib, tetapi masih belum ada usaha ke arah pelaksanaannya," katanya yang menyuarakan isu berkenaan ketika sesi libat urus bersama Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing sempena Tahun Melawat Malaysia (TMM) 2026 di Putrajaya, kelmarin.

Sulaiman yang berkecimpung dalam bidang berkaitan burung sejak 17 tahun lalu, berkata aktiviti itu makin meriah di Malaysia dengan bertambahnya individu dan kumpulan yang aktif merekod spesies burung dan berjaya merakam beberapa spesies belum ditemui sebelum ini.

"Melalui perkongsian di media sosial, burung di Malaysia menjadi tarikan, bukan sahaja dalam negara, tapi juga seluruh dunia. Sempena TMM 2026, untuk memastikan Malaysia menyediakan perkhidmatan terbaik kepada pelancong, pemandu burung terlatih dan diiktiraf kerajaan amat diperlukan. 

"Setakat ini belum ada lesen khas buat pemandu burung, sebaliknya mereka beroperasi menggunakan lesen pemandu pelancong alam sekitar atau nature guide. Sudah sampai masanya untuk kita melihat semula keperluan melatih dan mengiktiraf pemandu burung profesional.

"Ia bagi memastikan maklumat dan segala urusan berkaitan pelancongan burung berjalan lancar dan mengikut landasan yang betul. Pemandu aktiviti ini perlu diberikan lesen sebagai usaha meningkat tahap profesionalisme, melindungi komuniti tempatan dan mempraktikkan konservasi, bukan eksploitasi," katanya. 

Sulaiman yang juga pengasas NEST yang ditubuhkan pada 2017, menambah aktiviti itu juga membabitkan kawasan agak bahaya seperti hutan, paya, pulau dan gunung yang mendedahkan penggiat dan peminatnya kepada risiko cuaca dan hidupan liar. 

Justeru, katanya, lesen kepada pemandu pelancongan burung yang berjaya melepasi kursus dapat melahirkan pemandu terlatih dan bertanggung jawab, sekali gus mewujudkan pengurusan industri pelancongan burung yang sistematik dan profesional yang dapat meletakkan Malaysia bagai destinasi pelancongan eko bertaraf dunia. 

"Ia juga akan menyaksikan pelancong luar lebih yakin untuk menempah bird guide yang diiktiraf kerajaan. Selain itu, dapat membuka peluang kepada komuniti tempatan memilih bird guide sebagai kerjaya profesional, seterusnya menjadi rakan konservasi merekod spesies, migrasi dan populasi burung. 

"Usaha ini juga dan dapat membantu agensi pemuliharaan membuat keputusan dasar. Pelancongan berasaskan burung atau birdwatching dan avitourism, walaupun dalam kategori niche tourism, mampu menyumbang kepada pendapatan negara. 

"Ini kerana industri ini semakin mendapat perhatian peminat burung tempatan dan antarabangsa," tambahnya yang berharap pihak berwajib, khasnya Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC) menyegerakan kursus dan mengeluarkan lesen kepada bird guide supaya golongan itu beroperasi boleh di seluruh negara tanpa sempadan atau had wilayah.

-berita harian online.

Laluan Penerbangan Sulung China Eastern Airlines Sektor Hefei–Kuala Lumpur

 

SEPANG, 4 FEBRUARI |  Hubungan dua hala Malaysia dengan Republik Rakyat China semakin erat apabila ketibaan penerbangan sulung China Eastern Airlines (MU) bagi laluan Hefei–Kuala Lumpur (HFE–KUL) di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur, terus memperkukuh kerjasama penerbangan dan pelancongan antara kedua-dua negara.

Melalui pembukaan laluan baharu ke Malaysia ini, ia dapat meningkatkan aksesibiliti dan aliran pelancong selaras dengan usaha berterusan Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia (MOTAC) melalui Lembaga Penggalakan Pelancongan Malaysia (Tourism Malaysia) dan rakan strategik dalam memperluas rangkaian penerbangan antarabangsa sekali gus merancakkan pertumbuhan sektor pelancongan negara.

MOTAC merakamkan penghargaan kepada China Eastern Airlines, Malaysia Airports Berhad, Pos Aviation dan semua pihak atas komitmen serta kerjasama strategik ini. Penerokaan laluan baharu ini semestinya akan terus menyumbang pertumbuhan ekonomi pelancongan, pertukaran budaya dan hubungan dua hala yang lebih erat yang mampu memberi manfaat kepada tanah air.

-MOTAC.

Tourism Malaysia Unveiled The Malaysia Pavilion In Conjunction With Visit Malaysia 2026 At Thai International Travel Fair 2026

 

BANGKOK, THAILAND — Tourism Malaysia officially launched the Malaysia Pavilion in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) during the Thai International Travel Fair (TITF) 2026, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok.

Taking place from 22 to 25 January 2026, TITF is one of the largest travel fairs in the Bangkok region, attracting thousands of visitors from Thailand and international markets.

This event serves as a strategic platform for Tourism Malaysia to enhance visibility, strengthen destination awareness and engage both Thai and global travel markets for the VM2026 campaign.

The Malaysia Pavilion highlighted the country’s diverse tourism offerings, with a strong emphasis on arts, culture and heritage. Visitors were treated to captivating cultural performances by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Cultural Troupe, offering an immersive insight into Malaysia’s rich traditions and vibrant multicultural identity.

-Tourism Malaysia.

New Shanghai-Penang Direct Flight For Visit Malaysia 2026 To Drive Chinese Visitor Arrivals

 

PENANG — Tourism Malaysia today welcomed the inaugural flight from Shanghai to Penang by Spring Airlines (9C), marking a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between China and Malaysia.

Officially commencing today, the new route operates daily using an Airbuss A320 9C7259 aircraft with a capacity of 186 passengers. The service is designed to meet the growing demand for both leisure and business travel, while enhancing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

A welcoming ceremony was held this afternoon at Penang International Airport (PEN) following the flights’s arrival at aproximately 2.30 pm. The event was officiated by YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, alongside YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councilor (EXCO) for Tourism and Creative Economy.

Also in attendance were Ms Yu Jiali, General Manager for Southeast Asia, Spring Airlines; Mr Egaluk Ngiwprom, Marketing Manager for Southeast Asia; and Mr Mohd Ridzuan bin Ahmad Walid, Operation Manager Penang International Airport. This commencement marks a significant milestone in strengthening international visitor arrivals to the ‘Pearl of the Orient’.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sesi Libat Urus YB Menteri Pelancongan, Seni Dan Budaya Bersama Penggiat Industri Pelancongan

 

Putrajaya, 3 Februari 2026 - Sesi Libat Urus YB Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing bersama Penggiat Industri Pelancongan telah diadakan bagi memperkukuh kerjasama strategik antara Kerajaan dan industri dalam menjayakan Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Turut hadir semasa sesi ini ialah YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya; YBhg. Dato’ Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, Ketua Setiausaha MOTAC dan YBrs. Encik Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia.

Antara fokus utama sesi ini termasuk pembangunan produk pelancongan berkualiti dan berdaya saing, kelestarian (SDG), keselamatan dan kesejahteraan pelancong, serta pemanfaatan geran dan insentif bagi merancakkan promosi dan pertumbuhan sektor pelancongan negara.

Kerjasama berterusan ini menjadi asas penting dalam merealisasikan VM2026 sebagai misi nasional ke arah sasaran menarik lebih 47 juta pelawat antarabangsa serta memberikan manfaat ekonomi yang menyeluruh kepada rakyat dan negara.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Selangor targets South-east Asia with village stays

 

Once a product aimed largely at travellers from the West, village tourism in the Malaysian state of Selangor is now being positioned in the South-east Asian market. Tourism Selangor sees potential for village stays to appeal to corporate groups as a pre- or post-tour activity, as well as to the FIT segment. 

Tourism Selangor CEO Chua Yee Ling said the village stay concept offers visitors a more immersive yet flexible rural experience. Guests can take part in hands-on cultural and community-based activities such as traditional cooking classes, local craft workshops, agricultural experiences and guided village walks that showcase daily rural life. 

Visitors also have opportunities to interact with locals and learn about traditional customs and heritage, taking home a deeper understanding of Selangor’s village life. 

In a village stay, the host does not reside with the guests, allowing travellers greater privacy and independence. The state currently has 16 registered village stays. 

Tourism Selangor works closely with Tourism Malaysia on promoting village stays. It also allocated a booth to the Malaysia Homestay Association at the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 in Cebu, the Philippines.

-TTG Asia.

Tourism Malaysia Spotlights Visit Malaysia 2026 Calendar Of Events At Singapore’s Malaysia Carnival 2026

 

SINGAPORE — Tourism Malaysia, through its Singapore office marked its presence today at the Malaysia Carnival 2026, Singapore’s first major travel fair of the year.

The event provides a strategic platform for Tourism Malaysia to offer Singaporeans a first glimpse of the "Surreal Experiences" awaiting them across the causeway.

The three-day fair is being held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre from 30 January to 1 February 2026.

With 168 booths on display, the Malaysia Carnival 2026 showcases Malaysian cuisine, products, a range of hotels, attractions and travel packages. Visitors can explore exclusive fair-only discounts from a vibrant array of Malaysian offerings, as well as package deals from Singapore travel agents, prefectly timed for planning the upcoming holiday season.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Restored Sultan Abdul Samad Block 1 opens to public today

 

KUALA LUMPUR: After nearly a year of conservation and restoration, Block 1 of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building Complex opens today (Feb 2), marking the first completed phase of Khazanah Nasional Bhd's Dana Warisan initiative. 

Khazanah managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said the project, part of the Warisan Kuala Lumpur programme, demonstrates the value of strong public-private collaboration and synergy. 

"Beyond conserving the building, our focus is to activate it as an inclusive and living public space that is accessible to all, and one that contributes to Kuala Lumpur's vibrancy and long-term growth. 

"The timely reopening of Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad supports Visit Malaysia 2026 and is expected to generate broader spillover effects for the local economy, particularly across tourism, retail and logistics," he said in a statement. 

Block 1 marks the first completed phase of the wider restoration of the complex, with works focused on safeguarding the building's character as a national heritage site while enhancing safety, accessibility and the overall visitor experience. 

Visitors can now enjoy a range of offerings at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, including immersive exhibition spaces and galleries, a one-stop visitor centre, experiential retail and craft-making spaces, as well as lettable event halls and venues.

Under the Warisan KL initiative, Khazanah has been entrusted with preserving and rejuvenating eight significant historic buildings, including Seri Negara and Carcosa at Bukit Carcosa, as well as the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad Complex. 

The complex comprises the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Pejabat Pos Lama, the former Kuala Lumpur High Court, Panggung Bandaraya, the former FMS Survey Office and the National Textile Museum. 

A pedestrian bridge linking Seri Negara and Carcosa to the Perdana Botanical Gardens Kuala Lumpur is also slated for completion by the end of this year. 

Khazanah has allocated RM600 million to fund the initiative, with restoration works on the remaining buildings to be completed in phases over the coming years. 

To mark the reopening, admission to the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery will be complimentary for the first month.

-nst online.

Visit Malaysia 2026 Strengthens Visibility At Thaipusam Festival, Batu Caves

 

BATU CAVES, SELANGOR — Tourism Malaysia, is taking part in this year’s Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves by establishing a dedicated presence within the exhibition area coordinated by the Thaipusam Taskforce. This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public engagement while enhancing early visibility for the Visit Malaysia (VM2026) campaign during one of Malaysia’s most significant cultural and religious celebrations.

Members of the public are invited to stop by Tourism Malaysia’s VM2026 booth located opposite the Jalan Ulu Yam signboard to find out more about upcoming activities, attractions and promotional initiatives under the VM2026 campaign.

As a gesture of hospitality, Tourism Malaysia is distributing 10,000 complimentary beverages, sponsored by Spritzer Malaysia, to visitors. The refreshments were distributed to festival-goers, providing comfort and convenience to the large crowds in attendance throughout the festival.

To further enliven the atmosphere, the booth will feature cultural stage performances coordinated by the Thaipusam Taskforce team. These performances showcase Malaysia’s artistic vibrancy and form an important element of the VM2026 campaign, which positions cultural heritage as a core tourism asset.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Prime Minister Launches “Cerita Malaysia Kita” At Sunway Lagoon To Kick Off Visit Malaysia 2026

 

SUNWAY LAGOON, 30 January 2026 - Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the launch of “Cerita Malaysia Kita,” also known as “Our Malaysia Story,” a major public-private partnership designed to celebrate Malaysia’s cultural heritage in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.

Co-hosted by Sunway Lagoon and The Weststar Group, the launch supports the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s (MOTAC) efforts to position Malaysia as a vibrant and welcoming destination for both domestic and international visitors.

The launch featured the signing of a Memorandum of Partnership (MoP) between Sunway Lagoon, Tourism Malaysia, and corporate partners supporting Sunway Tiny Toys as well as the Malaysia Attraction Passport (MAP) Programme, in collaboration with Visit Malaysia 2026.

The Malaysian Attraction Passport (MAP) Programme extends an invitation to the world to come and experience Malaysia’s unique charm and attractions.

The launch event featured cultural and musical performances, partner showcases, and a fireworks display, celebrating the richness and diversity of Malaysia’s heritage while providing a multi-sensory experience of the nation’s vibrant identity.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines formalise joint business partnership

 

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have confirmed the formalisation of their joint business partnership following regulatory approvals in both countries. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia granted approval in January 2026, following approval by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore in July 2025. 

The approvals allow both airlines to begin progressively implementing measures to deepen their commercial cooperation. These may include revenue-sharing services between Malaysia and Singapore, joint fare products, coordinated flight schedules and joint corporate travel arrangements. 

Further details will be announced as initiatives are introduced. 

The partnership is intended to enhance connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore and provide customers with greater flexibility when travelling between the two markets. 

Since signing their initial agreement in October 2019, the two carriers have expanded their codeshare arrangements. SIA currently codeshares on MAS flights between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, London Heathrow, and 15 domestic destinations within Malaysia. 

MAS codeshares on SIA services between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and Penang, as well as flights to Barcelona, Brussels, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Istanbul, Johannesburg, London Heathrow, Rome and Zurich. 

In February 2024, the airlines introduced reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits, allowing members of Enrich and KrisFlyer to earn points and miles on selected flights operated by either carrier. 

“This collaboration brings together complementary frequencies and aligned schedules, enabling deeper connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore. Over time, it reinforces Malaysia Airlines’ competitive position by enhancing scale, relevance, and network resilience across key markets,” said Izham bin Ismail, group managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group. 

“Our win-win collaboration strengthens both carriers’ operations, while delivering enhanced value to customers across our combined networks. This also reinforces the long-standing and deep people-to-people and trade links between Singapore and Malaysia, supporting economic growth and connectivity that will benefit both nations,” added Goh Choon Phong, CEO of SIA.

-TTG Asia.

Tourism Malaysia Hosts Malaysian Luncheon In Cebu In Conjunction With The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026

 

CEBU, PHILIPPINES — YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), officially launched The Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) Luncheon: A Taste of Truly Asia today at the Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, held in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026. 

Aimed at attracting more visitors from the Philippines, the wider ASEAN region, and beyond, Tourism Malaysia hosted the luncheon as a launchpad for Visit Malaysia 2026. The occasion provided an exclusive opportunity for international buyers and media representatives to savour the authentic flavours of Malaysian cuisine. 

The occassion also showcased Malaysia’s vibrant cultural heritage. Key attractions included live Nyonya beaded shoemaking demonstrations, Teh Tarik performances, and food sampling featuring Laksa Sarawak, Laksa Johor, and Kuih Nyonya, alongside traditional Gambus performances celebrating the nation’s rich traditions and diverse travel experiences. 

In addition, Tourism Malaysia is organising a Food and Culture Promotion from 27 to 30 January 2026 at the Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, offerings residents of Cebu and surrounding areas a taste of Malaysia’s vibrant culture, rich heritage, and celebrated culinary delights. 

In conjunction with VM2026, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) welcomes collaboration with both domestic and international industry players. Malaysia’s tourism industry continues to demonstrate strong growth, with international visitor arrivals reaching 42,196,892 throughout 2025, representing a 11.2 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, Malaysia welcomed 613,338 visitors from the Philippines during this period, marking a 7.3 per cent growth from 2024, reflecting the rising interest in Malaysia as a premier travel destination ahead of VM2026.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Visit Malaysia 2026 Kicks Off At Travex In Conjunction With ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026

 

photo: Baizuri Baharum

CEBU, PHILIPPINES — Tourism Malaysia continues to strengthen its presence in the ASEAN region through its participation in the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) 2026, held in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026. The Malaysian delegation is led by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). 

TRAVEX serves as a key marketplace for ASEAN tourism stakeholders, bringing together sellers, buyers, and media from across the region and beyond. The platform offers valuable opportunities to foster regional cooperation, generate business leads, and promote ASEAN as a competitive and diverse tourism destination. 

Malaysia was represented by a robust delegation of 80 participants from 44 organisations, comprising state tourism bodies, hotels and resorts, travel agencies, airlines, and product owners. The Malaysian delegation showcased a wide array of tourism products and services to international buyers at TRAVEX, held at the Mactan Expo Center from 28 to 30 January 2026. A series of activities were organised throughout the event to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) and to warmly welcome ATF participants to the country. 

The Malaysia Pavilion showcased the nation’s vibrant cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings. Key attractions included live Nyonya beaded shoemaking demonstrations, Teh Tarik performances, and food sampling featuring Laksa Sarawak, Laksa Johor, and Kuih Nyonya, complemented by traditional Gambus performances that celebrated Malaysia’s rich traditions and cultural diversity. 

In conjunction with VM2026, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) welcomes collaboration with both domestic and international industry players. Malaysia’s tourism industry continues to demonstrate strong growth momentum, with international visitor arrivals reaching 42,196,892 throughout 2025, representing a 11.2 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. This encouraging performance underscores the growing demand for travel to Malaysia as the nation prepares for VM2026. Anchored by its theme song, Surreal Experiences, the campaign promises a vibrant, year-long programme of festivals, cultural showcases, exhibitions, community celebrations, and uniquely Malaysian experiences.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Reruai Tourism Malaysia Di Hari Terbuka Putrajaya 2026 @ Zon 11, Dataran Putrajaya ( 29 Januari ~ 1 Februari 2026 )

 

Hari Terbuka Putrajaya 2026 kini kembali!

Jom meriahkan suasana dengan pelbagai aktiviti menarik, tawaran pakej pelancongan domestik eksklusif dan pelbagai pengisian untuk seisi keluarga!

Persiaran Perdana, Presint 3 (Reruai Tourism Malaysia, Zon 11)

29 Januari – 1 Februari 2026

Masuk PERCUMA!

Tanda kalendar sekarang dan jemput datang beramai-ramai, confirm meriah gila!

-Tourism Malaysia.

Water Taxi Putrajaya sempena Hari Terbuka Putrajaya 2026

 

Jom nikmati pengalaman menaiki Water Taxi Putrajaya pada waktu malam sempena Hari Terbuka Putrajaya 2026.

Laluan: Taman Botani ↔ Anjung Floria

Tarikh: 29 – 31 Januari 2026

Sila rujuk jadual untuk perancangan perjalanan anda.

-Cruise Tasik Putrajaya.

Batik Air And Tourism Malaysia Strengthen Efforts For Visit Malaysia 2026

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 January 2026 — Tourism Malaysia and Batik Air have strengthened their strategic relationship with the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC), marking a key milestone in aligning efforts to position Malaysia as a preferred global destination for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

The MoC was witnessed by YB Dato’ Seri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and officiated by Tourism Malaysia Director General, Tuan Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, together with Batik Air Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to enhance Malaysia’s tourism visibility through improved connectivity, targeted marketing programmes and impactful industry collaboration.

The ceremony was also attended by YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) and senior representatives from both organisations.

Tourism Malaysia emphasised that collaboration with airline partners such as Batik Air remains critical, as air connectivity plays a vital role in improving accessibility, expanding market penetration and sustaining international tourist arrivals in support of VM2026.

-Tourism Malaysia.