Muslim travel growth driven by inclusive experiences

 

New research from Mastercard and CrescentRating highlights continued growth in Muslim travel, alongside changing expectations around inclusivity, safety and purpose-led experiences. 

The reports, Halal Travel Trends 2026 and Muslim Women in Travel 2026, estimate international Muslim arrivals reached 186 million in 2025 and are projected to grow to 245 million by 2030. Muslim women accounted for 90 million arrivals in 2025, representing 48 per cent of the total, up from 45 per cent in 2019.

The findings point to a shift beyond basic requirements such as halal food and prayer facilities, with travellers placing increasing emphasis on safety, trust and digital access when planning trips. 

Asia remains central to this growth. The region attracted nearly 120 million Muslim visitors in 2024, accounting for 65 per cent of global arrivals. Within this, South-east Asia is well positioned, with destinations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei identified as preferred markets, particularly among Muslim women travellers. 

The reports highlight the growing influence of Muslim women in shaping travel decisions across segments including family holidays, solo trips and group travel. Safety and comfort were cited as key considerations by 60 per cent of respondents, followed by the availability of Muslim-friendly services. 

Digital platforms are also playing a larger role, with 68 per cent of respondents indicating that social media influences their travel choices. AI tools are increasingly used for trip planning, including identifying halal dining options and assessing destination suitability. 

A central theme across both reports is the RIDA framework, which outlines four areas for destinations to address: responsible tourism, immersive experiences, digital capability and assurance. The approach is intended to help tourism stakeholders better meet evolving traveller expectations. 

“Muslim travel is entering a more sophisticated phase, where confidence, inclusion and purpose are becoming as important as access and convenience,” said Aisha Islam, senior vice president, customer solutions centre, South-east Asia at Mastercard. “Through the RIDA framework, destinations and businesses have a practical way to think about the full traveller journey from trusted digital information and secure payments to meaningful experiences that respect faith, culture, safety and personal values.” 

“For destinations, the opportunity is to move from availability to assurance,” said Raudha Zaini, director of operations, CrescentRating. “Muslim travellers are looking for experiences that are meaningful, inclusive and easy to trust. The destinations that clearly communicate their readiness and deliver consistently across the journey will be best positioned to earn long-term loyalty.”

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia hits 10.64 million international arrivals in Q1 2026

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia recorded a new tourism milestone in the first quarter of this year as international arrivals rose 5.4 per cent to 10.64 million visitors, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said. 

Tiong said the latest figures marked the second consecutive year the country exceeded 10 million international arrivals in the first quarter, surpassing even pre-pandemic levels. 

He said this year's growth was driven largely by the Chinese New Year holidays, which helped Malaysia set a new monthly record in February. 

"For the first time, visitor arrivals in February surpassed three million, reaching 3,472,557 arrivals, the highest ever recorded in a single month," he said in a statement today. 

He said the latest figure was also higher than the pre-pandemic level in 2019, when Malaysia recorded 9.01 million visitors in the first quarter. 

Tiong said the achievement was recorded despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting fuel supply, forcing flight route changes and pushing up airline operating costs, with the impact becoming more apparent towards the end of March.

"Because of this, the first-quarter visitor arrival performance can still be considered good. By region, only visitors from three regions recorded a decline, while six others posted growth compared with the same period last year," he said. 

He said arrivals from the Middle East were the worst affected, falling 27.2 per cent, while South Asia and North Africa also declined by 6.7 per cent and 8.4 per cent, respectively. 

"Visitors from East Asia and asean each rose by more than 200,000, while arrivals from the Americas, Oceania and Europe also increased by more than 10,000. 

"Central Asia recorded the highest growth rate, rising 20 per cent compared with last year," he said. 

Tiong said China was the main growth driver, with more than 280,000 additional visitors and a 25.2 per cent increase, while Australia recorded double-digit growth of 11.4 per cent. 

Tiong said the expansion of Malaysia's international air connectivity, especially through direct routes, remained a key driver of tourism growth and contributed to the 5.4 per cent increase in first-quarter arrivals. 

He said 20 new scheduled routes began operating in the first three months of the year, with 12 airlines adding 95 international flights to Malaysia each week, while five other airlines operated six charter routes linking China and Hong Kong with Malaysia. 

He said increased China-Malaysia flight capacity during the Chinese New Year travel period helped arrivals from China surpass 500,000, reaching 604,675 and contributing to February's record monthly arrivals.

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia And Serai Launch “Truly Malaysian, Truly Sedap” Campaign To Strengthen National Gastronomy

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 May 2026 – Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with Serai Group, today launched the “Truly Malaysian, Truly Sedap” campaign. This initiative aims to elevate the culinary heritage of Malaysia as a national identity in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, which is themed ’Malaysia: A Sustainable and Culturally Rich Destination’. The campaign seeks to solidify the position of Malaysia within the gastronomy sector as a premier culinary destination through two iconic offerings that are favourites among locals and international visitors, namely satay and the Durian Shake.

The “Truly Malaysian, Truly Sedap” campaign highlights satay, a dish officially recognised in the National Heritage List 2009, presented with an authentic touch and a signature peanut sauce from Serai Group. Also featured is the Durian Shake, a premium modern interpretation of the 'King of Fruits' crafted to appeal to the palates of both international and local visitors.

The event was graced by the presence of YBrs. Mr Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, YBrs. Puan Rina Abdullah, Group Director of Serai Group, YBhg. Datuk Mohd Najib Abdul Hamid, Managing Director of Serai Group and YBhg. Datin Qistina Taff, Project Director of Serai Group, alongside the top management of Tourism Malaysia, during the launch of the Truly Malaysian, Truly Sedap campaign.

This collaboration extends beyond mere culinary service through the hosting of a launch event at Seri Negara, which featured live satay grilling demonstrations and cultural performances. The event brought together the media, strategic partners, and the public in a meaningful experience.

The public can enjoy these special offerings at all Serai outlets from 12 May until 31 December 2026. Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences using the hashtags #TrulyMalaysianTrulySedap and #VisitMalaysia2026 to celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of Malaysian flavours.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Borneo Native Festival 2026: Reunited @ Central Market Kuala Lumpur ( 22 ~ 24 May 2026 )

 

Borneo Native Festival 2026: Reunited

Celebrating the spirit, heritage, and cultural richness of Borneo in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

This year, Borneo Native Festival returns with a spectacular showcase of traditional arts, cultural performances, heritage crafts, and authentic Bornean flavours.

From Sabah’s Pesta Kaamatan and Regatta Lepa to Sarawak’s Hari Gawai and Pesta Kaul, we bring together the beauty of East Malaysian traditions in one vibrant celebration.

Festival highlights include:-

> Miss Ethnic Pageant – Year 5

> Borneo Creative Dance Competition – Year 5

> Traditional Craft Workshops

> Borneo Troops Traditional Marching Parade

> Live performances by Tuni Sundatang, Alena Murang, Sape Ambassador from Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak, Dabra Sia, and more upcoming special performances

Venue: Central Market Kuala Lumpur

Date: 22 – 24 May 2026

Join us as we celebrate unity through culture.

For more info, plese refer to: @bnf.kl

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia And Al Firdaus Travels Strengthen Strategic Collaboration To Advance Muslim-Friendly Tourism

 

MELAKA — Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with Al Firdaus Travels Pte Ltd., continues to strengthen strategic efforts to position Malaysia as a leading Muslim-friendly destination through the organisation of the Mother’s Day Celebration Programme 2026, taking place from 9 to 10 May in Melaka. 

The programme has attracted more than 600 visitors from Singapore, reflecting strong regional travel demand and Malaysia’s continued appeal among family-oriented and Muslim-friendly travel segments. 

Developed as a curated travel package, the initiative adopts a targeted approach to drive quality visitor arrivals from Singapore while promoting meaningful and value-driven travel experiences. Leveraging digital platforms for engagement and outreach, this collaboration forms part of ongoing efforts under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. 

The programme features renowned speakers, including Ustaz Syamsul Debat and Ustazah Asni Abu Mansor. Participants are also treated to a cultural showcase by Tourism Melaka, highlighting the rich heritage and cultural diversity of Melaka. 

In line with growing demand for niche tourism segments, Tourism Malaysia continues to emphasise curated Muslim-friendly travel experiences. Other collaborative programmes with Al Firdaus Travels Pte Ltd. include Concert and Cultural Tourism featuring Wak Jeng at Tenera Hotel, Luxury and Romance packages in Langkawi, as well as Islamic Heritage and Learning journeys in Perak. 

Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, said: “This collaboration reflects the growing demand for meaningful Muslim-friendly travel experiences among regional travellers, particularly from Singapore. Through strategic partnerships such as this, Tourism Malaysia remains committed to strengthening Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for Muslim-friendly tourism while supporting the broader aspirations of Visit Malaysia 2026.” 

In 2025, Malaysia recorded 21.1 million visitor arrivals from Singapore, representing an increase of 11.8 per cent compared to the previous year. This sustained growth highlights Singapore’s continued importance as a key source market in support of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Go Malaysia Fair In Singapore: Tourism Malaysia Partners With Busonlineticket.Com To Boost Visit Malaysia 2026 Campaign

 

SINGAPORE — The GO Malaysia Fair, held in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia by Event & Exhibition Pte Ltd was officially launched today by His Excellency Dato’ Indera Dr. Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore. This vibrant event is meticulously designed to offer ready-to-book packages, making it easier and more accessible for travellers to explore the wonders of Malaysia. 

Boasting a curated selection of approximately 25 exhibitors, the fair presents an abundance of exclusive savings on flights, coach, accommodations, and comprehensive vacation deals. It serves as the ultimate planning hub for the upcoming month-long June school holiday period in Singapore. Adding to the excitement, Proton Holdings Berhad will collaborate and highlight specialised ‘Auto Vacation’ packages tailored for road-trip lovers, with the highly anticipated Grand Lucky Draw offering package buyers the chance to drive home in a brand-new Proton e.MAS 5. 

Tourism Malaysia hosted a dedicated booth comprising six of Singapore’s leading travel experts including 96 Travel & Tours, Desaru Fruit Farm Tour & Travel, Senyum Pte Ltd, Singatour, Transtar Travel Group and WTS Travel & Tours. These prominent Singapore travel agents will offer an extensive range of exclusive packages, providing visitors with direct access to tailored holiday expertise. 

As a major highlight of the opening day, Tourism Malaysia officially launched a strategic collaboration with BusOnlineTicket.com, a premier booking portal for bus, train, and ferry services. Officiated at the GO Malaysia Fair, this partnership is specifically designed to streamline the high-volume overland traffic between Singapore and Malaysia. 

On this partnership, Mr Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia said, "By strategically collaborating with service provider platforms like BusOnlineTicket.com, we are streamlining cross-border logistics to offer a frictionless travel experience. Given the currently challenging global tourism landscape, we anticipate that this collaboration will encourage more travellers to choose Malaysia as a safe, accessible, and preferred destination, providing a significant boost to our tourism arrivals, especially for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).” 

Reflecting on this initiative, Mr. Bong Yong Chuen, Director of BusOnlineTicket Pte Ltd, stated: "We are thrilled to partner with Tourism Malaysia in this strategic initiative to support the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. By integrating our comprehensive booking platform with Tourism Malaysia's promotional efforts, we aim to provide a seamless and convenient travel experience between Singapore and Malaysia. Our goal is to make cross-border travel more accessible than ever, ensuring that every traveller can easily discover the diverse wonders Malaysia has to offer." 

Running from 8 May to 31 August 2026, the campaign offers a frictionless booking experience for Singapore residents and international tourists alike, accessible exclusively via www.busonlineticket.com. 

In 2025, Malaysia welcomed 21.1 million Singaporean visitors, representing an 11.8 per cent increase compared to the previous year. This continued growth underscores Singapore’s continued importance as a key source market, particularly in the spirit of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. The GO Malaysia Fair serves as a heartfelt invitation for travellers from Singapore to revisit and experience its familiar charm through extraordinary, surreal experiences. 

As part of its promotional efforts, Tourism Malaysia continues to demonstrate dedication towards promoting Malaysia as a premier tourism destination with its presence at travel fairs like the GO Malaysia Fair. The GO Malaysia Fair will be held at Suntec City Singapore (Atrium Tower 1 & 2) from 8 to 10 May 2026 with the digital segment of the fair already launched on 4 May at www.gomalaysia.sg.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tranung Trail Fest 2026: Lonjak Promosi Pelancongan Warisan Terengganu

 

KUALA TERENGGANU, 10 Mei – Terengganu terus memperkasakan sektor pelancongan berasaskan warisan dan komuniti menerusi penganjuran Tranung Trail Fest 2026 yang kini sedang berlangsung di KTCC Mall.

Majlis perasmian disempurnakan oleh Pengarah Jabatan Pelancongan Negeri Terengganu, YM Dato’ Tengku Mohd Arifin bin Tengku A. Rahman, yang hadir mewakili Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Kebudayaan, Alam Sekitar dan Perubahan Iklim negeri, Datuk Razali Idris.

Festival tiga hari bermula 9 hingga 11 Mei ini menghimpunkan kepelbagaian produk pelancongan negeri meliputi khazanah sejarah, keunikan alam semula jadi, serta budaya tradisional dan produk komuniti dalam suasana interaktif.

YM Dato’ Tengku Mohd Arifin bin Tengku A. Rahman dalam ucapannya berkata, program ini merupakan platform strategik untuk memperkenalkan keunikan destinasi Terengganu kepada pelancong domestik mahupun antarabangsa.

“Tranung Trail Fest bukan sekadar festival biasa; ia adalah satu pengembaraan yang membawa pengunjung menyelami identiti dan warisan negeri menerusi pelbagai ‘trail’ menarik yang diperkenalkan,” jelasnya.

-Jabatan Pelancongan Negeri Terengganu.

Festival Rakyat 3.0 @ Dataran Lok 9, Kuala Perlis ( 22 ~ 24 Mei 2026 )

 

Festival Rakyat 3.0 Kembali Lagi!

Ayuh memeriahkan sambutan ulang tahun keputeraan ke-83 DYMM Tuanku Raja Perlis dalam suasana penuh warna-warni, tradisi dan semangat rakyat!

Lokasi: Dataran Lok 9, Kuala Perlis

Tarikh: 22 – 24 Mei 2026

Pelbagai aktiviti menarik menanti anda seisi keluarga antaranya:

> Malam Citrawarna Kuala Perlis

> Pertunjukan Kereta Berhias

> Perlis International Open Fight Night

> Hari Belia Negara

> Gusti Lengan & Tarik Tali

> Sepak Raga Ratus

> Kejohanan Dam Aji

> Slingshot

> Food Festival

> Pertandingan Mewarna

> Pertunjukan Wau

> Seni Suara Burung

Jom raikan kemeriahan budaya, sukan, seni dan warisan rakyat Perlis dalam satu festival yang penuh nostalgia dan keseronokan!

-JKKN Perlis.

Putrajaya aims to become family recreation hub with upgraded Wetland campsite

 

PUTRAJAYA: Putrajaya is positioning itself as an affordable family recreation hub, with the upgraded Taman Wetland campsite in Precinct 13 offering camping, glamping and outdoor activities for urban families. 

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said residents no longer needed to travel far to enjoy camping and outdoor activities. 

She said the upgraded campsite offered a comfortable and family-friendly recreational experience, in line with efforts to promote Putrajaya as a destination for outdoor activities. 

"We want Putrajaya to become a recreation hub for families. If demand continues to increase, we will consider opening more camping sites in future. 

"For now, we have camping and glamping facilities. This is mainly for Malaysians, especially families who need a place to relax and enjoy recreational activities together," she said after opening the campsite in Precinct 13 here today. 

Also present were Putrajaya Corporation president Datuk Mohd Sakeri Abdul Kadir and Federal Territories Department director-general Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain.

Yeoh said Putrajaya recorded six million visitors and tourists as of March this year, compared with 4.4 million during the same period last year, reflecting growing demand for urban recreational activities. 

Visitor numbers to Taman Wetland Putrajaya also increased steadily, from about 444,000 in 2023 to about 487,000 last year. 

"We want families in Putrajaya to spend more time outdoors. From Monday to Friday, children spend a lot of time on gadgets, so we want them to come out," Yeoh added. 

Sakeri said Putrajaya Corporation hoped to attract more visitors this year following the steady increase recorded in previous years. 

He said all operators appointed by Putrajaya Corporation were experienced, licensed and continuously monitored to ensure visitor safety, especially for children. 

The campsite, covering about 5,000 sq m, has 48 tent lots and can accommodate between 120 and 200 people at one time. 

Facilities include toilets, bathrooms, a surau, electricity supply, parking areas, a dining hall and open spaces for family and community activities. 

Activities available at the site include ATV rides, cycling, flying fox, wall climbing, abseiling, leap of faith and jungle trekking. 

The site also features a 420m dual zipline, recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the country's longest parallel double zipline. 

Rental rates start from RM30 on weekdays and RM50 on weekends for a two-day, one-night stay.

-nst online.

KL Festival @ Kuala Lumpur ( 6 ~ 31 May 2026 )

 

Downtown Kuala Lumpur is transforming into a vibrant cultural playground Featuring 80+ events across 25 venues and over 700 hours of activities for 26 days!

Venue: Kuala Lumpur

Date: 6 – 31 May 2026

Most programmes are FREE and open to ALL

Organised by Think City and DBKL in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, this year’s theme “Memory & Tomorrow” celebrates how stories from the past inspire the future through dance, theatre, storytelling and immersive city experiences

From tradition to imagination, experience the city like never before at 🇲🇾

Tag your festival buddy and plan your KL adventure together

For more info, please visit https://www.klfestival.com.my/2026-programmes

-Tourism Malaysia.

Aswara Artskap Festival Seni Kota @ Aswara Kuala Lumpur ( 9 Mei 2026 )

 

Aswara Artskap Festival Seni Kota Warnai Hujung Minggu Kuala Lumpur

ASWARA Artskap 2026 kembali dengan konsep Festival Seni Kota yang lebih segar, inklusif dan interaktif

Tarikh: 9 Mei 2026 (Sabtu)

Masa: 9.00 pagi – 10.00 malam

Lokasi: Kampus ASWARA, Kuala Lumpur

Masuk PERCUMA

Pelbagai aktiviti menarik menanti anda dari persembahan pentas, bengkel, diskusi, wayang pacak hingga ke market seni & kraftangan tempatan

Terokai 8 zon interaktif SKAP yang direka khas untuk mendekatkan anda dengan dunia seni, budaya dan warisan Malaysia!

Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila layari: https://www.klfestival.com.my/2026-programmes

Jumpa anda di sana!

-Aswara.

Misi Jualan Pelancongan Malaysia Ke Indonesia Perluas Peluang Kerjasama Strategik Industri Pelancongan

 

INDONESIA – Tourism Malaysia telah menganjurkan Misi Promosi Pelancongan Malaysia ke Indonesia yang bermula di Surabaya, diikuti Jakarta dan Medan dari 24 hingga 29 April 2026. Misi ini bertujuan memperkukuh kerjasama pelancongan antara Malaysia dan wilayah-wilayah utama Indonesia di samping mempromosikan kempen Melawat Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Delegasi Malaysia menghimpunkan 50 organisasi termasuk Penang Global Tourism (PGT), Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), agensi pelancongan, syarikat penerbangan, hotel dan resort, hospital serta pemilik produk pelancongan. Penyertaan yang menggalakkan ini mencerminkan komitmen berterusan Malaysia dalam memperluas kerjasama strategik serta mempererat hubungan dengan penggiat industri pelancongan Indonesia.

Misi ini turut menyaksikan kehadiran YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia di Jakarta sekaligus menegaskan kepentingan strategik pasaran Indonesia. Program ini merangkumi majlis makan malam gala, diikuti seminar dan sesi travel mart yang memberi tumpuan kepada kempen VM2026 serta program MM2H, di samping sesi libat urus berimpak tinggi bersama penggiat industri pelancongan di setiap bandar bagi memperkukuh kerjasama serta meneroka peluang baharu.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Mega Fam Programme Returns: Tourism Malaysia Welcomes Global Media Representatives In Conjunction With Rain Rave Water Music Festival

 

KUALA LUMPUR - Under the Mega Familiarisation Trip (Mega Fam) Programme series, Tourism Malaysia hosted over 40 international media representatives from 30 April to 4 May 2026. Held alongside the World Labour Day Celebration cum Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026, the festival presents an exciting opportunity to welcome visitors from across the region and beyond, offering a shared cross-cultural experience in Malaysia.

The Rain Rave Water Music Festival is positioned as a strategic urban tourism activation featuring three main zones celebrating Malaysia's heritage, culinary variety, and vibrant music scene. Visitors could enjoy the Rhythm of Cultures craft bazaar, the Rhythm of Flavours food market with 50 diverse stalls, and the Rhythm of Rain main stage for live performances. Together, these elements bring together tourism industry players, creative partners, and commercial stakeholders, while driving visitor traffic and stimulating spending across the retail, hospitality and services sectors.

In the spirit of enhancing the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, the Mega Fam Programme welcomed 41 media representatives from East Asia, Oceania, South Asia and Southeast Asia including Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. This initiative serves as a strategic platform to strengthen engagement with international media, while positioning Malaysia as a destination renowned for its rich cultural diversity and dynamic tourism offerings, in line with the VM2026 theme, Malaysia: A Culturally Rich and Sustainable Destination.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sambutan Hari Pekerja Sedunia: Festival Muzik Air Rain Rave 2026 Bermula Di Kuala Lumpur

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 April 2026 – Festival Muzik Air Rain Rave 2026 sempena Sambutan Hari Pekerja Sedunia telah bermula di Bukit Bintang secara rasmi selama tiga hari sempena hujung minggu Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), melibatkan pengisian dengan kebudayaa, penyertaan artis, penjaja dan artisan tempatan.

Majlis perasmian disempurnakan oleh YBhg. Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, dengan persembahan pembukaan yang menggabungkan elemen air, pencahayaan dan visual selaras tema “Where Rain Becomes Rhythm”. Program turut menampilkan segmen makanan, seni dan budaya seperti Rhythm of Flavours dan Rhythm of Cultures, di samping persembahan pentas utama yang menghimpunkan bakat tempatan dan antarabangsa.

Penganjuran ini bukan sahaja memeriahkan kawasan sekitar, malah memberi impak ekonomi kepada sektor runcit, makanan dan hospitaliti, serta dilaksanakan serentak di beberapa negeri lain bagi menyokong industri kreatif dan merancakkan pelancongan domestik dan serantau.

-Tourism Malaysia.

SPRITZER Perak X-Multisport Festival 2026 @ Spritzer Ecopark, Taiping, Perak ( 1 ~ 2 August 2026 )

 

SOMETHING NEW HAS COME TO TOWN

Are you ready for the next big challenge?

A brand-new adventure is arriving this August — where endurance, adrenaline, and nature collide in one epic festival.

RUN through scenic off-road trails 

BIKE across thrilling terrain 

RUMBLE in the historic first edition cross duathlon challenge 

Welcome to the SPRITZER Perak X-Multisport Festival 2026 

Date: 1–2 August 2026 

Venue: Spritzer Ecopark, Taiping, Perak 

From cross-country adventure runs to mountain bike challenges and the all-new X-Duathlon race, this is where champions are made and limits are tested.

Something bold. 

Something wild. 

Something Perak has never seen before.

Are you ready to answer the challenge?

STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPDATES!!

-Perak Multisport Festival.

Taiping anjur Festival Pancaragam Belia Antarabangsa 2026 Jun ini

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Bandar Taiping, Perak dipilih sebagai lokasi penganjuran Festival Pancaragam Belia Antarabangsa Taiping 2026 yang dijadualkan berlangsung pada 13 dan 14 Jun ini. 

Menurut jurucakap penganjur, acara berprestij itu akan menghimpunkan barisan pancaragam belia cemerlang dari seluruh Asia, sekali gus menjadi platform strategik dalam memartabatkan seni muzik pancaragam serta memperkukuh pertukaran budaya di peringkat antarabangsa. 

"Penganjuran festival kali ini bakal mempamerkan kehebatan ensembel antarabangsa terkemuka, antaranya penyertaan dari Jepun menerusi Senshu University Kumamoto Tamana High School Ventures Performing & Arts Band serta Santa Maria de Bethania Marching Show Band dari Filipina. 

"Turut memeriahkan acara adalah wakil dari Indonesia, Marching Band Padang Lawas Maju, selain dua kumpulan hebat dari Hong Kong, China iaitu The Chopiar Drumline dan The Vigor Marching Band," katanya dalam kenyataan, hari ini.

Kenyataan itu memaklumkan, kehadiran barisan pemuzik antarabangsa itu dijangka memberi saingan sengit kepada barisan pancaragam tempatan antaranya SMK King Edward VII Marching Band (The Beats), SMJK Nan Hwa, SMJK Sam Tet dan Sri Kuala Lumpur International School Wind Band.  

"Kemuncak festival pada 13 Jun akan dimulakan dengan acara perarakan pada jam 6 petang di Dataran Warisan Taiping yang bakal menampilkan persembahan berwarna-warni sebelum diteruskan dengan Konsert Perasmian pada jam 8 malam.

"Konsert berkenaan akan mempamerkan persembahan daripada ensembel gabungan Malaysia, pancaragam antarabangsa serta persembahan Finale Besar yang menggabungkan semua peserta di atas satu pentas berprestij," katanya. 

Menurut kenyataan itu lagi, pada 14 Jun pula, kemeriahan festival akan diteruskan dengan penganjuran Fringe Festival yang bermula seawal jam 8 pagi di sekitar kawasan ikonik Pasar Besar Taiping. 

"Program berkenaan direka khusus untuk menawarkan pengalaman interaktif kepada orang ramai melalui pembahagian tiga zon utama. Zon A bakal menempatkan persembahan Pancaragam Statik dan Ensembel Gabungan, manakala Zon B akan menjadi tumpuan bagi peminat aksi bertenaga Drumline dan Ensembel Kecil. 

"Zon C akan dimeriahkan dengan acara Mini Perarakan serta persembahan memukau daripada pasukan Colour Guard. Konsep putaran zon ini bertujuan memastikan pengunjung dapat menikmati persembahan secara berterusan, sekali gus menghidupkan suasana bandar warisan Taiping dengan elemen muzik dan budaya. 

Katanya, festival berkenaan berperanan besar sebagai wadah diplomasi rakyat dan medium pembangunan bakat belia, selain bertindak sebagai pemangkin kepada promosi pelancongan negeri. 

Orang ramai dijemput hadir beramai-ramai bagi memeriahkan setiap acara yang disusun, sekali gus menyaksikan sendiri kehebatan seni muzik pancaragam dalam meraikan semangat perpaduan antarabangsa.

-berita harian online.

Tourism Malaysia Perkukuh Sokongan Terhadap Kempen Melawat Malaysia 2026 Menerusi Kerjasama Strategik Bersama Watsons Malaysia Sebagai Destinasi Kesihatan Dan Kecantikan

 

SEPANG – Tourism Malaysia hari ini mengumumkan kerjasama strategik bersama Watsons Malaysia bagi menyokong Kempen Melawat Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Inisiatif ini menyaksikan transformasi cawangannya di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) Terminal 2 menjadi "Destinasi Runcit Kesihatan dan Kecantikan" pertama yang menawarkan pengalaman membeli belah khusus buat pelawat antarabangsa sebaik tiba di Malaysia.

Inisiatif tersebut telah dirasmikan oleh YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia, bersama Caryn Loh, Pengarah Urusan Watsons Malaysia merangkap Ketua Operasi (COO) Kesihatan dan Kecantikan Asia, AS Watson Group. Kerjasama ini menandakan satu pencapaian penting dalam kolaborasi sektor awam dan swasta bagi mempertingkatkan pengalaman para pelawat di Malaysia.

Dalam ucapannya, YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia berkata bahawa kerjasama strategik ini merupakan contoh terbaik penglibatan sektor swasta dalam mempertingkatkan mutu pengalaman keseluruhan pelawat dengan mengetengahkan produk dan budaya Malaysia kepada dunia.

“Bertemakan ‘Malaysia: Destinasi Lestari dan Kaya Budaya’, kempen ini memberi penekanan kepada pengalaman pelancongan yang autentik dengan mempamerkan keunikan warisan budaya, kepelbagaian tradisi serta keindahan alam semula jadi yang kita miliki,” katanya.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sarawak Delta Geopark officially endorsed as Unesco Global Geopark

 

KUCHING: The 3,112-sq-km Sarawak Delta Geopark has been officially endorsed as a Unesco Global Geopark. 

Forest Department Sarawak, in a statement today, said the recognition marks a significant milestone in the state's efforts to preserve its unique geological, ecological, and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism. 

The certificate presentation ceremony was held on April 27 at the Unesco headquarters in Paris. 

Sarawak Deputy Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh represented the state and led the delegation to receive the certificate from Unesco Earth Sciences and Geoparks section chief Kristof Vandenberghe. 

Unesco Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic approach to protection, education, and sustainable development. 

The department said the achievement reflects years of dedicated collaboration among local communities, government agencies, researchers, and conservation partners.

"Their collective efforts have ensured that the Sarawak Delta is not only protected but also sustainably managed for future generations. It reflects the strength and partnerships between communities, scientists, and policymakers in achieving a shared vision," it said. 

The recognition places Sarawak on the global map and is expected to foster responsible tourism that supports local economies without compromising environmental integrity.

-nst online.