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.

Tourism Malaysia Dan AEON Bekerjasama Dalam Kolaborasi Strategik Promosi Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026

 

SHAH ALAM — Tourism Malaysia hari ini mengumumkan kolaborasi strategik bersama AEON CO. (M) BHD. (AEON), bagi menyokong pelaksanaan kempen Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Kerjasama ini bertujuan mempergiat usaha mempromosikan Malaysia sebagai destinasi pelancongan, beli-belah dan gaya hidup yang dinamik melalui pelbagai aktiviti promosi serta tawaran eksklusif kepada pelawat domestik dan antarabangsa di pusat beli-belah terpilih di seluruh negara. 

Kolaborasi ini turut melibatkan pelbagai penggiat industri termasuk hotel, ejen pelancongan, syarikat penerbangan dan pusat beli-belah lain bagi memperluas jangkauan promosi kempen VM2026. Sebagai sebahagian daripada inisiatif tersebut, maskot rasmi VM2026, Wira dan Manja, akan ditampilkan sebagai elemen hiasan di rangkaian pusat beli-belah AEON di seluruh negara. Selain itu, video promosi destinasi pelancongan Malaysia akan ditayangkan menerusi skrin LED bagi menonjolkan keunikan serta kepelbagaian produk pelancongan negara sempena VM2026. 

Majlis pelancaran kolaborasi ini telah disempurnakan oleh YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya, mewakili YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing bertempat di AEON Mall Shah Alam. Turut hadir ialah YBrs. Encik Chua Choon Hwa (Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha (Pelancongan) MOTAC; YBhg. Datuk Iskandar Sarudin (Pengerusi AEON Company Malaysia Bhd.) serta Puan Zuraini Abdul Ghani (Pengarah Bahagian Pembangunan Pakej, Tourism Malaysia). 

Menurut YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, kolaborasi strategik ini mencerminkan komitmen berterusan sektor swasta dalam menyokong agenda VM2026. Inisiatif seumpama ini bukan sahaja berupaya merancakkan sektor pelancongan, malah turut menjana kesan limpahan ekonomi kepada industri berkaitan seperti peruncitan, hospitaliti dan perkhidmatan. Usaha ini seterusnya menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi yang mampan serta memperkukuh daya saing Malaysia sebagai destinasi pelancongan dan pelaburan. 

Pada majlis yang sama, barangan edisi terhad hasil kolaborasi khas sempena VM2026 iaitu beg ‘tote’ dan ‘headband’ turut dilancarkan. Pengunjung berpeluang menebus barangan edisi terhad ini dengan perbelanjaan minimum RM350 menerusi gabungan sehingga tiga resit pembelian. 

Sepanjang tempoh kempen ini berlangsung, pelbagai inisiatif akan dilaksanakan termasuk program Cerita Raya bersama Wira dan Manja, Carnival Bazaar yang menampilkan pelbagai sajian tempatan, serta penganjuran Tourism Malaysia Run di beberapa negeri terpilih. Selain itu, barangan penebusan eksklusif dan pelbagai aktiviti interaktif turut diperkenalkan bagi meraikan VM2026 bersama rakan strategik Tourism Malaysia, komuniti setempat, serta pelawat dari dalam dan luar negara. 

Tourism Malaysia kekal komited dalam merangsang perbelanjaan pelancongan negara melalui segmen beli-belah dengan menarik lebih ramai pelawat untuk berkunjung dan membeli-belah di Malaysia. Usaha ini akan diperkukuh melalui penganjuran Malaysia Super Sale pada Mac 2026, Malaysia Mega Sale (Jun hingga Julai 2026) dan Malaysia Year End Sale (MYES) bermula November 2026 hingga Januari 2027. Inisiatif ini akan menyokong pertumbuhan ekonomi negara serta memperkukuh kedudukan Malaysia sebagai destinasi beli-belah utama di rantau ini. 

Segmen beli-belah kekal sebagai komponen penting dalam industri pelancongan negara, selaras dengan sasaran Visit Malaysia 2026 untuk menarik seramai 43 juta pelawat antarabangsa, sekali gus menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK) dan memperkukuh ekonomi Malaysia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia And Weixin Pay Formalise Strategic Collaboration To Enhance Experience And Strengthen Tourism Promotion In The China Market

 

PUTRAJAYA — Tourism Malaysia and Weixin Pay today formalised their strategic collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC), marking a significant milestone in strengthening Malaysia’s tourism promotion efforts and enhancing the overall travel experience for Chinese visitors.

The collaboration reflects the mutual commitment of both parties to leverage their respective strengths, resources and expertise to promote Malaysia as a preferred destination among Chinese travellers, while supporting the sustainable growth and digital transformation of Malaysia’s tourism industry.

Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal said:  “China remains one of Malaysia’s most important tourism source markets. Today’s Chinese travellers expect seamless digital integration throughout their journey, from trip planning to payment solutions. This strategic collaboration with Weixin Pay represents an important step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the China market, enhancing engagement with potential visitors, and providing strong momentum for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Forges Strategic Alliance With Mongolia’s Green Empire Holding To Drive ‘Welcome Malaysia’ Initiative

 

PUTRAJAYA—Tourism Malaysia today formalised a strategic partnership with Green Empire Holding LLC, through the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC). This partnership aims to position Malaysia as a preferred travel destination for Mongolian tourists while directly driving momentum towards Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). 

Effective January 2026, the partnership will introduce the targeted ‘Welcome Malaysia’ initiative, designed to increase tourist arrivals from Mongolia through a modern, digitally driven promotional campaign. The initiative will showcase Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings, including urban attractions, ecotourism, cultural heritage, and luxury travel experiences. 

The Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Mr Mohd Amirul Rizal Bin Abdul Rahim, highlighted the strategic significance of the collaboration, stating: ‘Our alliance with Green Empire Holding is a proactive step to diversify Malaysia’s international visitor markets by tapping into a high-potential segment. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovative tourism marketing and strong public-private collaborations as we boost the movement of Visit Malaysia 2026 and elevate Malaysia’s global brand presence.’ 

Mr Byambasuren Ayushjav, Chief Executive Officer of Green Empire Holding LLC, echoed the sentiment, stating: ‘This partnership transcends conventional tourism promotion. We are committed to crafting authentic stories that inspire Mongolian travellers to discover Malaysia’s unique tapestry. Our goal is to build lasting bridges that connect our peoples through meaningful cultural and travel experiences. 

Through the VM2026 campaign, Malaysia aims to attract 43 million international visitors in 2026, aligning with ongoing efforts to strengthen the tourism sector as a key driver of the nation’s economic growth. The sector’s robust momentum is reflected in international visitor arrivals from January to November 2025, which reached 38.3 million. Guided by its theme song, Surreal Experiences, the VM2026 campaign promises a vibrant year-long programme of festivals, cultural showcases, exhibitions, community celebrations and uniquely Malaysian experiences designed to captivate travellers from around the world. 

Leveraging Malaysia’s immense potential as a world-class tourist destination, VM2026 is expected to drive a surge in visitor arrivals while generating employment, enhancing the nation’s global image, and delivering tangible economic benefits to local communities. The campaign will also deepen cultural appreciation and stimulate growth across various sectors beyond tourism, including hospitality, transportation, retail and the gastronomy industry. 

Under the MoC, both parties will collaborate on destination promotion in Mongolia, joint marketing campaigns, and the exchange of tourism data. Furthermore, the agreement encompasses business facilitation between industry players and mutual support for tourism-related events. These coordinated efforts are intended to strengthen cultural ties and firmly position Malaysia as a ‘top-of-mind’ destination for Mongolian travellers. 

This strategic alliance focuses on key areas including destination promotion in Mongolia, joint marketing campaigns, the exchange of tourism data, business facilitation between industries, mutual support for events, and other cooperative ventures. The partnership aims to build lasting cultural connections and position Malaysia as the preferred destination for Mongolian travelers through authentic storytelling and innovative promotional strategies.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Petrosains and Tourism Malaysia Sign Strategic MOC to Reimagine Visitor Experience Ahead Of Visit Malaysia 2026

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 August 2025 - In a strategic move set to redefine Malaysia’s experiential tourism landscape, Petrosains Sdn. Bhd. formalised a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with Tourism Malaysia at the iconic PETRONAS Twin Towers on 15th August 2025 (Friday), marking a pivotal milestone in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

The MoC was signed by Ezarisma Azni Mohamad, Chief Executive Officer of Petrosains Sdn. Bhd., and Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Senior Director of Advertising & Digital, Tourism Malaysia, cum Head of Secretariat VM2026. The ceremony was witnessed by Nik Rosmanie Bt Nik Mohamad, Chairman of Petrosains Board of Directors and Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

As Malaysia aims to welcome 43.0 million international visitors in 2025, this MoC represents a timely and strategic move to strengthen the role of Petrosains and the PETRONAS Twin Towers in the national tourism ecosystem. 

By leveraging Petrosains’ unique position as both a science engagement institution and operator of two flagship destinations — Petrosains, The Discovery Centre and the PETRONAS Twin Towers Visit Experience — this partnership aims to reimagine visitor engagement through storytelling, education, and immersive design.

Chief Executive Officer of Petrosains, Ezarisma Azni Mohamad, said: "As we gear up for VM2026, we look forward to working closely with Tourism Malaysia and all our valued partners to elevate both Petrosains and the PETRONAS Twin Towers as flagship tourist destinations, showcasing Malaysia’s uniqueness in modern attractions, innovation, and educational tourism."

He further added: "With a strong focus on modern attractions, scientific discovery, and experiential learning, we hope to support Tourism Malaysia as a compelling destination partner for both international and regional markets, offering not just leisure, but also knowledge, inspiration, and engagement."

The MoC outlines four key focus areas aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s positioning as a knowledge-based experiential destination. These include joint marketing and promotional initiatives such as co-branded campaigns, destination storytelling, and targeted outreach to amplify visibility across domestic and international markets. Both parties will also collaborate on the development and use of shared creative assets to ensure consistent visual identity across national tourism platforms. In addition, Petrosains and Tourism Malaysia will participate in key tourism events, ranging from international trade shows to familiarisation trips, and align digital and physical activations under the VM2026 umbrella to create seamless, high-impact touchpoints for travellers worldwide.

Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, said: “We are excited to forge strategic collaboration with Petrosains as it brings a unique blend of education, leisure, and operational excellence to enhance the global standing of the PETRONAS Twin Towers and Petrosains, The Discovery Centre.

“By combining Tourism Malaysia’s extensive international network with Petrosains’ expertise in science and storytelling, we are transforming our iconic landmark, the PETRONAS Twin Towers, into a world-class experiential hub. This is also in line with our VM2026 campaign strategy to offer visitors more than just a destination, but an unforgettable, surreal experience.”

In conjunction with the MoC signing, Petrosains also unveiled a new brand identity for the PETRONAS Twin Towers Visit Experience - now officially named the PETRONAS Twin Towers Sky Xperience (PeTT SkyX), with the tagline of “Heart of A Nation. Peak of Your Journey.”

The rebrand reflects a refreshed visitor journey, combining Malaysia’s architectural prowess and cultural pride with immersive, world-class experiences. The enhanced experience includes:

• Sky Bridge @ Level 41 – The world’s tallest double-decked bridge, offering breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur and KLCC Park.

• Sky Deck @ Level 86 – Panoramic city vistas, complemented by interactive displays detailing the design and symbolism of the towers.

• Level 83 Highlights – A personalised postcard service from the Sky Deck and exclusive souvenir shops known as Sky Shop at Level 83 and Concourse.

• Coming Soon: Sky Café @ Level 83 – A scenic space to relax and enjoy the city skyline.

As the social impact arm of PETRONAS in democratising STEM education for all, Petrosains manages the visit operations for both Petrosains, The Discovery Centre and the PETRONAS Twin Towers, two of the nation’s most iconic and meaningful destinations. As of July 2025, Petrosains, The Discovery Centre has welcomed over 9 million visitors since opening its doors in 1999, while the PETRONAS Twin Towers have drawn more than 8 million visitors since 2002.

In another significant milestone, the PETRONAS Twin Towers have officially become the 54th member of the World Federation of Great Towers (WFGT), joining a prestigious network of the world’s most celebrated high-rise landmarks. Standing at 451.9 metres, the Towers remain the tallest twin skyscrapers on Earth. Designed by renowned architect César Pelli, their iconic steel-and-glass façades draw on Islamic geometric motifs, symbolising Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage while reflecting its bold and modern spirit.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Visit Malaysia 2026: Scoot Partnership Set To Drive Tourism Growth

 

6 August 2025: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, and Tourism Malaysia have signed a three-year Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to promote Malaysia as a top travel destination in the run-up to Visit Malaysia 2026. 

The MoC, effective until August 2028, aims to enhance visibility of Malaysian cities through integrated marketing campaigns, co-branded initiatives, targeted digital promotions, and familiarisation trips.

The partnership will focus on key regional markets, including Australia, China, Indonesia and Singapore. Scoot currently operates 115 weekly flights to 11 Malaysian cities and is set to launch services to Kota Bharu on October 26 2025, increasing its network to 12 cities. 

Tourism Malaysia Director General Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said the collaboration comes at a crucial time as Malaysia ramps up efforts for Visit Malaysia 2026. “Leveraging Scoot’s extensive network will allow us to tap into high-potential regional markets. As of May 2025, Malaysia recorded a 20.4% year-on-year surge in international arrivals to 16.9 million, with Singapore being the top source market,” he said. 

Scoot’s Director of Marketing, Communications and Loyalty, Agatha Yap, expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting Malaysia’s appeal and the convenience of a 30-day visa-free stay for regional travellers.

-BusinessToday.

ITC Collaborates With BUMITRA, MATTA And MICA To Lead Global Muslim-Friendly Tourism Strategy Focused On China And Europe

PETALING JAYA, 9 JANUARY 2025: Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) has successfully formalised a groundbreaking collaboration with three prominent tourism associations—the Bumiputera Travel and Tour Agents Association of Malaysia (BUMITRA), the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and the Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association (MICA). The signing ceremony, held this afternoon at One World Hotel marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to solidify its position as a global leader in Muslim-friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH).

The collaboration focuses on hosting Imams from People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Europe as part of a specially curated ‘familiarisation trip’ programme.

This strategic endeavour aims to showcase Malaysia’s thriving Muslim-friendly ecosystem, cultural heritage, nature and city attractions while promoting the country as a premier destination for Muslim travellers.

Speaking at the event, ITC Director-General, Nizran Noordin stated: “This collaboration reflects Malaysia’s dedication to developing a robust and sustainable Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem. By engaging influential leaders of the Muslim communities in China and Europe, we aim to create meaningful connections, nurture international awareness and drive economic opportunities for local tourism stakeholders.”

He further highlighted the success of the pilot programme in January 2024, conducted in partnership with MICA. “We welcomed 35 Imams from 14 provinces in China, which resulted in Malaysia receiving 58,000 Chinese Muslim tourists, generating RM92.8 million in tourist receipts in the two following months alone. The success has driven ITC to replicate this proven formula with both the Chinese and European Muslim markets. It builds on the momentum of our previous MFTH sales missions in key European markets such as France, Russia and the United Kingdom.”

The familiarisation trips are expected to yield significant economic returns, aligning with Malaysia’s goals of drawing more Muslim tourist arrivals and strengthening its tourism economy. Malaysia’s top ranking in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) as a Muslim-Friendly Destination for nine consecutive years, further reinforces the nation’s reputation as a leading Muslim-friendly travel destination.

Introducing Malaysia’s MFTH Excellence

The 2025 familiarisation trips will commence with MICA’s 7-day, 6-night programme for Imams from China, scheduled to begin on the upcoming 5 February. The itinerary will include Malaysia’s world-class accommodations with valid Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) or halal-certified kitchens, halal certified restaurants, iconic mosque tourism destinations and Islamic tourism attractions aligned with Muslim-friendly principles, guided by ITC certified Muslim-friendly Tourist Guides. Subsequent trips organised by BUMITRA and MATTA are planned for later in the year, each tailored to highlight Malaysia’s unique selling points in Muslim-friendly travel.

As part of the agreement, the participating associations are committed to increasing Muslim tourist arrivals to Malaysia within a given timeframe for every Imam involved. This initiative will contribute significantly to the Visit Malaysia 2026 targets.

Representing their respective organisations at the signing ceremony were Nizran Noordin (ITC), Dr. Wan Muhamad Adam Wan Norudin (President, BUMITRA), Dr. Cindy Seow (Deputy President MICA) and Datuk Mohd Hizzat Bin Mohd Shah (Vice President of Research and Technology, MATTA). The event was witnessed by YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. It exemplifies ITC’s dedication to working hand-in-hand with industry stakeholders to ensure Malaysia remains at the forefront of Muslim-friendly tourism innovation. It is a testament to the country’s readiness to welcome the growing global Muslim travel market, offering a seamless and enriching travel experience for all.

-Islamic Tourism Centre.

ERL Collaborates With Tourism Malaysia To Support VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR 2026

 

Putrajaya, 20th November 2024 – Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) and Tourism Malaysia today signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) to signify its collaboration to promote Malaysia for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM 2026).

Through the MOC, ERL and Tourism Malaysia will collaborate to promote tourism and the KL TravelPass to global audiences. KL Travel Pass is an all-in-one transport ticket that combines KLIA Ekspres service and 2-day unlimited train rides on LRT, MRT and KL Monorail lines. By leveraging their combined strengths, both ERL and Tourism Malaysia will promote and drive awareness of the KL TravelPass and other ERL product offers on Tourism Malaysia’s various digital channels such as website, social media platforms, digital screens and digital ads.

Present at the MOC Signing Ceremony were Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia; Noormah Mohd Noor, Chief Executive Officer of ERL and Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director of Advertising & Digital Division of Tourism Malaysia.

“We would like to thank Tourism Malaysia for their endless support towards ERL. Now that we have signed the MOC, we’re excited to begin promoting KL TravelPass to tourists leading up to VM2026. From the moment they land in KLIA Terminal 1 or 2, travellers are able to immediately use KL TravelPass to seamlessly explore Kuala Lumpur, eliminating the need and hassle for separate travel cards,” said Noormah.

In addition to the KL TravelPass, tourists can also enjoy greater savings if they travel to Kuala Lumpur in groups with the ERL’s Family Package and Group Saver plans, and experience the convenience of door-to-door airport transfers directly from hotels to the airport with ERL’s VIP Service.

Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, emphasised the importance of seamless accessibility in enhancing the tourist experience in Malaysia. He stated, "Seamless accessibility is crucial for ensuring that tourists can fully immerse themselves in Malaysia’s offerings without the hassle of navigating transportation hurdles. From the moment they arrive, they should feel well-connected to our vibrant attractions, which is what this partnership aims to achieve."

He added, "The collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and ERL is a testament to the valuable synergy between the public and private sectors. By working together through joint initiatives and activities, we aim to further promote Malaysia's diverse tourism offerings and position the country as a top travel destination. Through the non-exclusive partnership with ERL, we look forward to leveraging their expertise in transportation to enhance tourist convenience and support the aspirations of Visit Malaysia 2026."

KL TravelPass is available on Single and Return trip on the KLIA Ekspres service. For more information on KL TravelPass and ERL’s latest offers and promotions, visit www.KLIAekspres.com.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia And Mastercard Forge Smart Partnership To Elevate VISIT MALAYSIA 2026

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 March 2024 – Tourism Malaysia and Mastercard have announced a strategic partnership to transform the traveler experience and support outreach efforts in preparation for Visit Malaysia (VM) 2026. The announcement was made during a Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) exchange ceremony today. As part of the MOC, Mastercard will also be named as Tourism Malaysia’s Exclusive Payment Partner, with a strategic focus on enhancing the shopping segment.

The partnership will focus on four areas:

1. Harnessing data insights and analytics: Mastercard’s regional Data & Services hub in Kuala Lumpur will provide actionable insights on traveler spend patterns, needs, and preferences. This aggregated and anonymized data will benefit travel and tourism authorities, operators, and businesses.

2. Digitizing the entire traveler journey: Tourism Malaysia and Mastercard will cocreate the Travel Malaysia app, a one-stop solution for travelers. This app will offer personalized travel content and exclusive offers throughout the visitor journey, from itinerary planning and bookings to location-based offers on-the-go. The app is set to launch by 2025.

3. Developing world-class marketing campaigns: Leveraging Mastercard’s global reach and marketing capabilities, both organizations will create and roll out creative,engaging marketing campaigns. The goal is to attract more potential travelers and capture an incremental 8 million arrivals by 2026.

4. Curating exclusive Priceless Experiences and Specials for travelers: Mastercard will introduce its signature Priceless program to Malaysia, offering unique experiences and exceptional offers for travelers. These dedicated and specially curated experiences will reflect Malaysia’s attractive proposition as a one-stop destination to Eat, Play, Shop and Stay, allowing travelers to create unforgettable memories in the country.

YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and its potential long-term impact on the travel and tourism sector and stated: “The esteemed partnership with Mastercard highlights our commitment to harness technology to create a more seamless and innovative travel experience in Malaysia. By using data and insights, we aim to improve visitor satisfaction and continuously innovate to engage with travelers. This collaboration is a significant step towards digitizing Malaysia's travel and tourism sector, providing a hassle-free and enriched experience for visitors exploring our diverse offerings.”

"In 2023, Malaysia welcomed 20.14 million visitors, with tourism receipts reaching RM71.3 billion. Shopping activities constituted 33.9% of total expenditure, contributing to a remarkable RM24.1 billion. With a focus on the shopping segment, we aim to leverage our collaboration with Mastercard to create distinctive experiences, positioning Malaysia as a premier global shopping destination," said Mr. Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

"Mastercard is thrilled to partner with Tourism Malaysia in revitalizing and transforming the tourism sector. This strategic collaboration aims to digitize Malaysia’s growing travel industry and position the country as a digital-first destination. With Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, Mastercard will leverage its global expertise, data insights, and engagement program, Priceless, to support Malaysia’s growth and enhance its appeal as a top travel destination in the Asia Pacific region,” said Mr. Safdar Khan, Division President, Southeast Asia, Mastercard.

The partnership with Tourism Malaysia and Mastercard as the Exclusive Payment Partner is aimed at enhancing the shopping segment, which contributes significantly to the tourism sector’s growth. Leveraging Mastercard’s global presence and international expertise, this collaboration elevates Malaysia’s status as a preferred shopping destination, enriching the retail experience for travelers. The commitment represents a seamless extension and integration of Mastercard’s Priceless program offers, underscoring Tourism Malaysia’s unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled experiences and value.

In the current year, Malaysia aims to attract 27.3 million international tourist arrivals, with a target of over RM102.7 billion in tourism receipts. Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM 2026), the country envisions welcoming 35.6 million visitors, generating target receipts of RM147.1 billion. These goals align with Malaysia’s Tourism Strategy 2020-2030, which focuses on enhancing the country’s competitiveness as a top travel destination for international visitors.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia & Perodua In A 3-Year Team-Up To Co-Promote And Boost Tourism

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 November 2023 – Tourism Malaysia and Perodua inked a 3-year memorandum of collaboration (MoC) to co-promote tourism in Malaysia.

This collaboration will take effect from 2024 to 2026. It is built on a foundation of mutual commitment to advancing Malaysia's tourism sector, facilitating accessibility, and enhancing the overall tourist experience.

The MoC seeks to achieve several critical objectives that are sure to benefit the country's tourism industry and the economy.

Enhanced Accessibility: Perodua, Malaysia's leading automotive brand, will play a pivotal role in improving accessibility for domestic and international tourists.

Sustainable Tourism: Both organisations are committed to sustainable tourism practices. This partnership will actively promote eco-friendly travel options, and simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of tourism. Perodua's focus on energy-efficient vehicles aligns perfectly with this vision.

Cultural Exchange: Malaysia boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and heritage.

Together, Tourism Malaysia and Perodua will facilitate cultural exchange programmes, which will enable tourists to immerse themselves in the diverse customs and traditions of Malaysia.

Marketing and Promotion: The collaboration will see the two organisations pooling their resources to market and promote Malaysia as a premier tourist destination. This will involve joint advertising campaigns, promotional events, and leveraging digital platforms to attract a global audience.

Customer Experience: Perodua, renowned for its customer-centric approach, will work closely with Tourism Malaysia to enhance the overall tourist experience. From transportation services to recommendations for cultural events and attractions, tourists will have a seamless and memorable visit to Malaysia.

Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia said: "We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with Perodua. Our collaboration signifies a united commitment to making Malaysia even more attractive to tourists. By joining forces, we can provide tourists with an unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty, diversity, and warmth of our country."

Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said: “For Perodua, this collaboration and its objectives are in line with our “mobility as a lifestyle” initiative.

Dato’ Sri Zainal explained that through this MoC, Perodua would be able to expand its new business model, specifically vehicle subscription, while at the same time get real-time feedback from foreign travellers on their opinion of Perodua.

This collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and Perodua is set to usher in an exciting era for Malaysia's tourism industry, and it promises to benefit the nation, its tourists, and its environment.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Signs MOC With Qatar Airways To Strengthen Strategic Cooperation

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 September 2022 – Tourism Malaysia has signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) with Qatar Airways today at Grand Millennium Hotel, Kuala Lumpur with the primary objectives to extend the networking and strengthen strategic cooperation between the two parties.

This new chapter sees Tourism Malaysia working together with Qatar Airways, the world's leading airline, to boost arrival from Qatar via Qatar Airways' broad network to Malaysia. Through this MOC, the cooperation will aim to further strengthen Malaysia’s appeal as a preferred travel destination among travellers in the Middle East, Europe and the United States of America.

YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture said: “With the reopening of international borders and an increase in the demand for air travel, we believe the strategic cooperation will increase the awareness of our attractions and more initiatives will take place to help to boost tourist arrivals to Malaysia. As we continue to navigate recovery from the pandemic, this MOC works as a platform to increase the choice of flights, wider destinations, and greater flexibility on top of the excellent service hospitality offered by Qatar Airways”.

His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Tourism Malaysia to further support tourism growth in the popular Southeast Asian country. As an airline, we are moulded strongly by tourism and we will remain committed to playing our role in supporting Tourism Malaysia through this collaboration. With international borders now open and travel demand returning, Qatar Airways also looks forward to connecting more travellers to Malaysia and the world.”

The collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and Qatar Airways will leverage each other’s strengths and provide more unrivalled services and seamless connections. More joint activities are mapped out through familiarisation trips to Malaysia, marketing promotional activities and advertising campaigns to feature Malaysia as a preferred holiday destination.

This strong partnership will provide better efficiencies and a more comprehensive network to promote Malaysia’s tourism offerings and highlight the new and exclusive attractions. On top of that, it is a timely move to pave the way toward the recovery of Malaysia’s tourism industry internationally.

-Tourism Malaysia.