Johor unveils 'Visit Johor 2026' with dazzling launch, targets 12 million tourists

 

JOHOR BARU: Johor officially launched its Visit Johor 2026 campaign tonight. 

Visit Johor 2026, marks the start of a year-long tourism push aimed at drawing 12 million visitors.

 It is expected to generate more than RM42 billion in economic impact.

Branded under the theme "Majestic Johor: The Jewel of the South," Visit Johor 2026 showcases the state's rich tapestry of culture, nature, sports and heritage, while its inviting tagline "Meh Lah Johor!" beckons travellers to discover everything from vibrant cities to tranquil islands in a campaign that balances modern appeal with sustainable, tradition-rooted experiences. 

The Visit Johor Year 2026, embodied the state's warm, open invitation for visitors to explore its culture, cuisine and heritage with the easy-going hospitality Johoreans are famously known for. 

The state's flagship tourism programme was unveiled at a packed Dataran Bandaraya Johor Baru here today.

Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi officiated the celebration that drew locals and tourists alike. 

The four-day event, organised by Tourism Johor with support from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, is expected to attract more than 400,000 visitors. 

Free shuttle bus services by the Johor Public Transport Corporation (PAJ) were deployed to ferry crowds to the venue. 

The launch featured a drone show themed Visit Johor 2026 and a massive 'Zapin Mehlah Johor' performance involving 4,000 dancers, which secured an entry in the Malaysia Book of Records. 

The main stage also showcased top local artistes, cultural groups from Yayasan Warisan Johor and Istana Budaya, and a string of district-based exhibitions promoting food, culture and heritage. 

At the heart of the campaign were its new mascots — Cuping and Jucy — a pair of Malayan tigers symbolising Johor's strength, grace and hospitality. 

The duo, born at Zoo Johor in 2013 and 2018, respectively, will serve as the state's global tourism ambassadors throughout Visit Johor 2026. 

The "Meh Lah Johor!" campaign sought to position the state as a premier regional destination, supported by immersive experiences, traditional performances, culinary showcases and promotional content. 

This includes its official song 'Pesona Johor' and a cinematic tourism video capturing the state's landscapes and cultural diversity. 

Pesona Johor, celebrates the charm of all the 10 districts in Johor, through melodies and lyrics that highlight the state's cultural diversity, natural beauty and timeless identity. 

With the curtain officially raised, Johor is now setting its sights on the global stage, inviting travellers to explore its districts, traditions and modern offerings as the state gears up for a landmark tourism year.

-nst online.