Tourism Malaysia Strengthens Tourism Ties With Jilin Province, China

 

PUTRAJAYA, 13 October 2026 – The Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, accompanied by Ms. Noriah Jaafar, Senior Deputy Director, International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa), received a courtesy visit from a delegation from Jilin Province, China.

The delegation was led by Mr. Sun Guangzhi, Director of the Jilin Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, accompanied by Mr. Fan Min, Director of the International and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Division, and other delegation members.

The meeting focused on tourism exchanges between Malaysia and Jilin Province, including tourist arrivals and potential collaboration in promoting tourism attractions in both destinations.

During the discussion, the Jilin delegation highlighted the province's unique tourism experiences across all four seasons. The Director General welcomed the exchange of insights and expressed interest in exploring future tourism promotional initiatives in Jilin Province.

The visit reflects Tourism Malaysia's continued commitment to strengthening tourism cooperation and fostering closer ties between Malaysia and China.

-Tourism Malaysia.

VM2026 Hunt & Explore Media Race 2026 Highlights Sandakan As A Tourism Destination, Driving Visitor Engagement

 

SANDAKAN – Tourism Malaysia today, through its Sabah office successfully hosted the Visit Malaysia 2026 Hunt & Explore Media Race 2026 to showcase Sandakan’s diverse eco-tourism, cultural, and heritage attractions across media and digital channels.

Aimed at positioning Sandakan as a premier destination on Sabah’s east coast, the programme encouraged participants to explore and experience its unique attractions while sharing their journey with the mass audiences. The programme recorded a total of 121 participants from 31 teams, representing media, influencer and open categories.

Witnessed by Mr. Khairul Amir Anuar, Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia Sabah, the race flag-off ceremony was officiated by YB Datuk Jafry Haji Ariffin, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah at 7.30 a.m. before the participants headed off to their journey in Sandakan.

Throughout the day, participants faced various challenges such as interactive photo hunts, scavenger hunts and race tasks, designed to showcase key ecological and historic landmarks. The route covered key destinations across wildlife, nature, heritage, culture and local experiences, including the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC), Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Masjid Jamek Sandakan, One Hundred Steps, Agnes Keith House, St. Michael & All Angels Church, Puh Jih Shih Temple, Sandakan Market and San De Gan Café.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia And Alipay+ Partner To Accelerate Malaysia’s Digital Tourism Transformation

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Tourism Malaysia and Alipay+, the unified wallet gateway of Ant International, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate cross-border commerce and digitalise merchant engagement across Malaysia's tourism economy.

As Malaysia welcomes visitors for Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 (VM2026–2027), this partnership merges Tourism Malaysia’s destination marketing with Alipay+’s global wallet ecosystem and AI capabilities. It aims to create a highly intelligent digital journey, connecting international travellers directly with local operators as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), strategically distributing visitor spending beyond major hubs to support the broader economic goals of VM2026–2027.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Kunjungan Hormat Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia Negeri Terengganu Kepada Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia

 

PUTRAJAYA, 9 Oktober 2026 - YBrs. Encik Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia, telah menerima kunjungan hormat daripada delegasi Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia Negeri Terengganu yang diketuai oleh YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Haji Abdullah bin Haji Taib, Pengerusi Majlis Pengakap Negeri Terengganu, bertempat di Ibu Pejabat Tourism Malaysia, Putrajaya.

Kunjungan hormat ini bertujuan untuk membincangkan penganjuran Jambori Pengakap Antarabangsa Terengganu (TIJ100) yang dijadualkan berlangsung pada 17 hingga 21 Disember 2026 di Kem Pengakap Tengku Muhammad Ismail, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu.

Pertemuan ini turut menjadi platform bagi membincangkan potensi kerjasama strategik dalam mempromosikan program berkenaan, di samping mengetengahkan Terengganu sebagai destinasi pelancongan yang menawarkan kepelbagaian produk, warisan budaya dan pengalaman menarik kepada pengunjung domestik serta antarabangsa.

Turut hadir dalam pertemuan tersebut ialah En. Wizani bin Rosmin, Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Perancangan) Tourism Malaysia, Pn. Zuraini Abd Ghani, Pengarah Bahagian Pembangunan Pakej Tourism Malaysia, dan En. Nizam Abd. Wahid, Penolong Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Domestik dan Acara Tourism Malaysia, bersama wakil-wakil Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia Negeri Terengganu.

Tourism Malaysia sentiasa komited dalam memperkukuh kerjasama dengan pelbagai pihak bagi menyokong penganjuran program dan acara yang berpotensi merancakkan industri pelancongan negara, selaras dengan kempen melawat Malaysia 2026-2027.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia And AirAsia Move Strengthen Partnership To Inspire More Travel To Malaysia

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Tourism Malaysia and AirAsia MOVE (MOVE) have launched the Oh Sem Malaysia! campaign aimed at boosting travel across the country, highlighting its secondary cities and hidden gems. The initiative expands the public-private strategic partnership, which offers curated travel experiences, destination-led promotions, and exclusive deals, in line with the ongoing Visit Malaysia 2026– 2027 campaign.

The strategic partnership will focus on campaigns and travel promotions that encourage domestic travel for Malaysians, as well as inspiring travellers to explore and venture beyond the usual hotspots. This will further strengthen Malaysia’ s appeal in various tourism segments, including cultural heritage, gastronomy, hospitality, eco-tourism, and more.

YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, said, “Our collaboration with AirAsia MOVE provides us with a great opportunity to reach more Malaysians and inspire them to discover the many destinations and experiences available across the country during the Visit Malaysia 2026– 2027 campaign. Domestic tourism continues to play an important role in supporting local tourism businesses and communities, and through active joint campaigns and promotions, we hope to encourage more Malaysians to travel locally and experience Malaysia’ s abundance of offerings, ranging from gastronomy to natural landscapes and more.”

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Collaborates With Oppo Malaysia To Showcase The Beauty Of Malaysia Through Digital Lens

 

KUALA LUMPUR — Tourism Malaysia and Jie Business Sdn Bhd (OPPO Malaysia) today signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to establish a digitally-driven strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the country’s appeal as a premier lifestyle destination. This milestone agreement aligns with national efforts to position Malaysia as a must-visit hub ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 (VM2026–2027) Campaign. 

The signing ceremony held at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, was officiated by Mr Mohd Akbal Setia, Deputy Director General (Promotions) of Tourism Malaysia and Ms Monica Qin, Marketing Director of Jie Business Sdn Bhd (OPPO Malaysia), underscoring a shared commitment to driving digital tourism innovation and transforming how travelers capture the nation’s beauty. 

“We are proud to collaborate with OPPO Malaysia, as this partnership not only showcases the distinctive beauty and character of Malaysia, but also celebrates the remarkable creativity of our diverse and talented photographers through art and imagery. This collaboration builds on our previous Strategic Communication Programme in Kelantan, which involved 15 participants from OPPO Malaysia. We are pleased to continue this collaboration in highlighting Malaysia’s unique destinations and experiences through the power of visual storytelling,” said Mr Mohd Akbal Setia, Deputy Director General (Promotions) and Head of the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 Secretariat, Tourism Malaysia. 

He also added that the initiative comes at a timely moment, with direct flights connecting Singapore and Jakarta to Kota Bharu making it more convenient for regional visitors to discover Kelantan. “This provides an ideal opportunity to shine a spotlight on Kelantan as a distinctive cultural destination, known for its rich heritage, vibrant traditional arts and iconic local gastronomy, including Nasi Kerabu and other traditional delicacies.” 

Through this partnership, both parties will execute joint promotional activities and experiential tourism initiatives. By leveraging OPPO extensive range of high technology smart phone, the effort seeks to enrich the overall visitor journey, extend average lengths of stay and boost tourism receipts through curated mobile photography with lifestyle offerings. 

“At OPPO, we have always believed that the most powerful stories are told through imagery, and Malaysia has no shortage of stories worth telling,” said Monica Qin, Marketing Director of OPPO Malaysia in her speech. “We are grateful to Tourism Malaysia for our continued collaboration in bringing this campaign to life. We continue to be in awe of the photographers and content creators who took up the Find Series and made it their own — their instinct for finding beauty in the unexpected is what gives this campaign its soul. Together, we hope these images inspire the world to see Malaysia not just as a destination, but as an experience waiting to be discovered. 

The collaboration comes at an opportune moment as Malaysia extends its Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign into 2027, opening further avenues to elevate the country’s global appeal. Driving engagements thorough smart imaging will catalyze growth across the broader tourism ecosystem, encouraging travelers to explore local attractions and share authentic experiences on digital platforms. 

From January to August 2026, Malaysia welcomed 28.8 million international visitor arrivals, an increase of 1.8 per cent compared to 28.2 million in the same period last year. Partnerships such as this will contribute to a smoother experience for international visitors and demonstrate positive momentum, providing a strong foundation as Tourism Malaysia ramps up joint promotional initiatives to sustain arrival growth through 2027. 

Tourism Malaysia remains committed to forging strategic partnerships with technology leaders to harness digital innovation. Through such alliances, the aim is to modernize destination storytelling, stimulate visitors’ demand, and ensure the sustainable growth of Malaysia’s tourism sector.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Hello Penang Campaign Strengthens Tourism Promotion Efforts In Penang

 

GEORGETOWN — Tourism Malaysia continues to strengthen domestic and international tourism promotion efforts through a strategic collaboration with the Malaysian Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) Penang Chapter and Trip.com by implementing the Hello Penang Campaign. 

This tactical promotional campaign focuses on hotel accommodation offerings in Penang through the Trip.com online booking platform, providing visitors with attractive options and offers when planning their visits to the state. The initiative also aims to revitalise local tourism activities, increase hotel occupancy rates, and support the growth of Penang’s tourism economy and hospitality industry. 

Under this collaboration, MyBHA Penang Chapter serves as the coordinator for the participation of member hotels in Penang, while Trip.com acts as the official platform by providing marketing and promotional support, as well as online booking facilities. 

The Hello Penang Campaign was officially launched by Mr Abdul Hadi Che Man, Director of Tourism Malaysia Northern Region. Also present were Mr Andy Lau Eng Leong, Chairman of MyBHA Penang Chapter; and representatives from Trip.com’s marketing team. The launch ceremony was held at Hotel Malaysia, George Town, one of the campaign’s participating hotels. 

Running for three weeks from 7 to 27 October 2026, the campaign offers an RM20 discount per night during the promotional period. Bookings made during the promotional period may be used for stays until 30 April 2027, in addition to cash rebates and other promotional offers provided by Trip.com and participating hotels. 

The campaign targets up to 10,000 room bookings through the network of MyBHA Penang Chapter member hotels participating in the campaign on the Trip.com platform. This target is strongly supported by the 28.8 million international visitor arrivals recorded between January and August 2026, an increase of 1.8 per cent against the 28.2 million recorded during the same period in 2025. In addition, the 151.6 million domestic visitor arrivals recorded in the first half of 2026 also supported this momentum. The figure represents a 5.6 per cent increase compared to the 143.5 million recorded in the corresponding period last year. 

The strategic collaboration with Trip.com, which has an estimated 6.67 million registered members, also provides a wider opportunity to promote Penang to both domestic and international markets. This partnership is expected to stimulate demand for local accommodation products while generating economic spillover benefits for tourism industry players, related businesses, and local communities. 

As one of Malaysia’s key tourism destinations, Penang offers a diverse range of tourism products and experiences, including heritage, gastronomy, arts and culture, nature, and urban attractions. Through continuous promotional efforts and strategic collaboration with industry players, Penang’s appeal as a sustainable and culturally rich destination can be further strengthened. 

Tourism Malaysia will continue to strengthen collaboration with industry stakeholders and strategic partners to diversify promotional approaches, expand market reach, and support the national tourism industry’s sustainability and competitive growth. 

Members of the public seeking further information on the Hello Penang Campaign and the list of participating hotels may contact MyBHA Penang Chapter at +60 16-526 8133 or visit www.mybha-penang.org.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Strengthens Vietnam Market Engagement Through Director General’s Visit To Ho Chi Minh City

 

HO CHI MINH CITY — Tourism Malaysia deepens ties with the Vietnamese travel trade and Malaysian business community through a series of industry activities in Ho Chi Minh City, led by Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. The engagements provide an opportunity to expand business cooperation, raise awareness of Malaysia as a tourism destination and explore new business opportunities in the Vietnamese market, in support of the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 (VM2026–2027) promotional efforts, which have been extended through 2027. 

During the visit, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal engages with key travel agents and tourism industry stakeholders through networking sessions, including a luncheon and dinner. The discussions provide opportunities to exchange views on market trends, changing consumer preferences and potential areas for collaboration to further grow tourist arrivals from Vietnam to Malaysia. 

The programme also includes a session with the Malaysia Business Chamber Vietnam (MBC), involving Malaysian companies and private sector representatives based in Ho Chi Minh City. The meeting facilitates closer ties between the tourism industry and Malaysian businesses in Vietnam, particularly in promoting Malaysia’s diverse tourism products and experiences. 

Beyond leisure travel, Tourism Malaysia is highlighting selected tourism segments with potential in the Vietnamese market, including Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), medical and wellness tourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), and educational tourism. These segments complement Malaysia’s broader tourism offerings and support opportunities for longer stays, repeat visits and more diverse travel purposes. 

Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia said, “Vietnam remains an important market for Malaysia, supported by strong air connectivity and close people-to-people ties between our two countries. Direct engagement with the Vietnamese travel trade enables us to better understand market needs, strengthen industry relationships and identify new opportunities to grow tourism flows to Malaysia.” 

He added that closer collaboration with Vietnamese travel agents and Malaysian private sector partners is important in broadening the range of Malaysian tourism products and experiences available to the Vietnamese market. 

“Malaysia offers a wide range of tourism experiences beyond conventional leisure travel. There are opportunities to further promote Malaysia for business events, education, medical and wellness tourism, long-stay programmes and other specialised travel segments. By expanding these offerings, we can provide Vietnamese travellers with more reasons to discover Malaysia and encourage longer and repeat visits,” he said. 

The visit forms part of Tourism Malaysia’s continued efforts to expand its presence in Vietnam through joint promotional activities, familiarisation programmes, product development and business-to-business initiatives with local industry partners. 

Malaysia welcomed 217,121 visitors from Vietnam between January and August 2026. During the same period, air connectivity between the two countries recorded 167 weekly flight frequencies, with a total seat capacity of 31,037 seats. Tourism Malaysia continues to work closely with airlines, travel agents, tourism associations and industry partners to leverage existing air connectivity, enhance destination awareness and facilitate travel to Malaysia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sesi Penyampaian Hadiah Sempena Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 Domestic Buyers’ Contest MATTA Fair September 2026

 

Kuala Lumpur, 6 Oktober 2026 – YBrs. Encik Mohd Akbal Setia, Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Promosi) merangkap Ketua Sekretariat Visit Malaysia 2026–2027, telah mewakili Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia untuk menghadiri Sesi Penyampaian Hadiah Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 Domestic Buyers’ Contest yang dilaksanakan bersempena penganjuran MATTA Fair September 2026 baru-baru ini hasil kerjasama MATTA bersama Bahagian Domestik & Acara, Tourism Malaysia.

Sesi penyampaian hadiah ini diadakan sebagai tanda penghargaan kepada para peserta yang telah menyertai peraduan tersebut, selain meraikan para pemenang yang berjaya membawa pulang pelbagai hadiah menarik yang ditawarkan termasuklah dua buah motosikal Honda Dash.

Turut hadir dalam sesi tersebut ialah Encik Mohd Hizzat bin Mohd Shah, Timbalan Presiden, MATTA Executive Council, serta wakil daripada Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).

Penganjuran peraduan ini merupakan antara inisiatif dalam memeriahkan kempen Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 khususnya melibatkan pelancongan domestik, di samping menggalakkan penglibatan orang ramai dalam aktiviti promosi pelancongan dan memperkukuh kerjasama strategik antara Tourism Malaysia dengan rakan-rakan industri.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Program Lawatan Produk Pelancongan Sempena Majlis Tilawah Dan Hafazan Al-Quran Peringkat Antarabangsa (MTHQA) Ke-66

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 5 Oktober 2026 - Program Lawatan Produk Pelancongan sempena Majlis Tilawah dan Hafazan Al-Quran Peringkat Antarabangsa (MTHQA) Ke-66 telah berjaya dilaksanakan. Program ini melibatkan seramai 50 peserta bersama jemaah hakim, pengiring dari dalam dan luar negara serta pegawai pengiring dari JAKIM.

Turut menyertai program lawatan ini ialah Encik Azizul Raheem Bin Awalludin, Timbalan Pengarah Bahagian Pembangunan Pakej,  Tourism Malaysia dan Encik Amir Bin Abd Kadir, Penolong Pengarah Bahagian Pembangunan Pakej, Tourism Malaysia.

Antara produk pelancongan yang dilawati ialah Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad yang menampilkan pengalaman interaktif mengenai sejarah dan pembangunan Kuala Lumpur melalui pameran di KL City Gallery.

Peserta dan jemaah hakim turut berpeluang menyertai aktiviti School of Hard Knocks di Royal Selangor serta mengenali warisan pembuatan pewter yang menjadi kebanggaan Malaysia.

Lawatan diteruskan ke Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur yang menampilkan keunikan seni kraf tempatan, seni bina Melayu tradisional serta pameran Malaysia International Craft Fair (MICF) 2026.

Program ini diselaraskan oleh Tourism Malaysia (TM) selaku Jawatankuasa Lawatan MTHQA Ke-66.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Strengthens Tourism Partnership With Cambodia Through B2B And Networking Lunch 2026

 

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Tourism Malaysia successfully hosted the B2B and Networking Lunch 2026 today, connecting Malaysian tourism players with Cambodian travel agents, buyers, and media representatives to explore new business opportunities and build stronger partnerships.

The event highlights a shared commitment to boosting bilateral tourism and was attended by H.E. Dr. Shaharuddin Onn, Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia, and Oknha Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Tourism Association (CATA).

Speaking at the event, Madam Baizuri Baharum, Senior Director of International Promotions Division (Southeast Asia), Tourism Malaysia, highlighted the strategic importance of the Cambodian market to Malaysia’s tourism industry.

“Cambodia is a highly promising market in our regional strategy. It is a market of great promise, and we remain firmly committed to deepening our engagement with our Cambodian partners through stronger business connections and closer industry collaboration,” said Madam Baizuri.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Luncheon Meeting With Industry Players In Ho Chi Minh City

 

Vietnam, 4 October 2026 - Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, had a luncheon meeting with key industry players in Ho Chi Minh City at Kopitiam Kita, 52 Le Thanh Ton Street, Sai Gon Ward as part of efforts to strengthen industry engagement and foster closer cooperation in promoting Malaysia as a preferred holiday destination.

During the luncheon, the Director General expressed his appreciation to the industry players for their continued support and collaboration in promoting Malaysia, while encouraging industry partners to further explore and promote Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings to the Vietnamese market.

The engagement also provided an opportunity to highlight Malaysia’s unique tourism experiences, from its diverse attractions and cultural heritage to its rich culinary offerings. Guests were treated to a selection of local Malaysian dishes, offering a taste of Malaysia’s diverse flavours and vibrant food culture.

Tourism Malaysia looks forward to strengthening collaboration with industry partners in Vietnam to further promote Malaysia and encourage more Vietnamese travellers to discover and enjoy Malaysia’s diverse holiday experiences.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sesi Penyampaian Hadiah Kepada Pemenang Colours Of Speed Bersempena Citrawarna Speed Festival 2026

 

Putrajaya, 3 Oktober 2026 – Colours of Speed yang berlangsung selama 12 hari bermula 23 September 2026 telah meningkatkan suasana Citrawarna Speed Festival 2026 dengan menyediakan pengalaman racing simulator secara percuma kepada para pengunjung, di samping menawarkan hadiah terkumpul bernilai  lebih RM30,000.

Menerusi aktiviti ini, setiap pengunjung berpeluang merasai pengalaman memandu di Litar Antarabangsa Sepang (SIC) melalui permainan simulator selama 10 minit. Catatan masa terpantas yang direkodkan sepanjang tempoh pertandingan akan menjadi penentu kepada peserta yang layak mara ke peringkat akhir.

Seramai 30 peserta dengan catatan masa terpantas telah dipertemukan dalam Grand Finale yang berlangsung pada 3 Oktober 2026 untuk merebut hadiah utama bernilai RM10,000 serta hadiah-hadiah menarik yang lain.

YBrs. Encik Mohd Akbal Setia, Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Promosi) merangkap Ketua Sekretariat Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 telah hadir bagi menyempurnakan sesi penyampaian hadiah kepada para pemenang yang telah berjaya mencatatkan rekod masa terbaik sepanjang pertandingan.

-Tourism Malaysia.

B2B & Networking Session In Siam Reap

 

Cambodia, 2 October 2026 - The B2B & Networking Session in Siem Reap commenced with welcome remarks by Madam Baizuri Baharum, Senior Director, International Promotion Division (Southeast Asia) Division and Mr Mao Savath, President of CATA Siem Reap Chapter.

The session brought together 23 Malaysian sellers and tourism industry partners from Cambodia for a productive business matching session, creating opportunities to strengthen collaboration, build new partnerships and promote Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Citrawarna Speed Festival 2026 Brings Malaysia’s Cultures To Life Through Colours Of Parade

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Citrawarna Speed Festival 2026 reaches its cultural highlight tonight with the Colours of Parade at IOI City Mall Putrajaya, bringing together 1,500 dancers and cultural performers from across Malaysia in a large-scale vibrant celebration of the nation’s diverse heritage and traditions. Colours of Parade is the key highlight of the 12-day Citrawarna Speed Festival 2026, organised by Tourism Malaysia from 23 September to 4 October 2026.

Held across IOI City Mall Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and Sama-Sama Hotel KLIA, the festival brings Malaysian arts and culture together with motorsport- inspired attractions and interactive experiences for the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 (VM2026–2027) campaign.

The event was graced by YBhg. Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Chief Secretary to the Government and YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Also in attendance were YBhg. Dato’ Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; YBhg. Dato’ Rahimi Ismail, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Youth and Sports; YBrs. Tuan Chua Choon Hwa, Deputy Secretary- General (Tourism) of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia; and YBhg. Dato’ Lee Yeow Chor, Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of IOI Corporation Berhad.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Unlocks Russia’s Tourism Potential For Visit Malaysia 2026–2027

 

RUSSIA — Tourism Malaysia is stepping up its promotional efforts in Russia through its Sales Mission to St. Petersburg and Moscow from 27 September to 1 October 2026, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to growing the Russian market and increasing its tourism appeal to Russian travellers for Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 (VM2026–2027). 

Led by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, the mission brings together 15 representatives from hotels and resorts, travel agents, tourism product operators and state tourism boards to strengthen industry partnerships, explore new business opportunities and introduce Malaysia’s latest, immersive tourism products to the Russian market, including the Surreal Experiences travel packages. 

The five-day mission features business-to-business (B2B) meetings, networking sessions, industry engagements with Russian travel trade partners, also to have the Gala Dinners to have closer engagement and extend appreciation to the industry players for their continuous support. These activities provide a stronger platform and more closely bilateral relationship especially on the tourism, arts and culture industry. Malaysia has many attractive destinations including its tropical islands and sandy beaches, lush rainforests, vibrant multicultural heritage, immersive gastronomic offerings, luxury shopping experiences, and lively entertainment. 

“Russia remains an important and promising market for Malaysia, with strong potential for further growth. Through this Sales Mission, we aim to strengthen our partnerships with the Russian travel trade, increase awareness of Malaysia as a preferred travel destination among Russian travellers, and create more opportunities for our tourism industry. Our travel agents should be more aggressive in promoting Malaysia in Russia, highlighting destinations, food, culture and the wide range of experiences we have to offer,” said YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing. 

The Russian market continues to show positive growth, with visitor arrivals to Malaysia increasing by 4.3 per cent to 98,466 arrivals from January to August 2026, compared with 94,420 arrivals during the same period in 2025. The encouraging performance highlights the growing potential of the Russian market and strengthens Tourism Malaysia’s efforts to intensify targeted promotions and industry collaborations. 

With VM2026–2027 as a key platform to advance Malaysia’s tourism agenda, Tourism Malaysia will continue to deepen partnerships with airlines, travel trade and industry players to expand Malaysia’s reach in Russia, drive greater travel demand, and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for Russian travellers. 

Furthermore, this Sales Mission held in Russia’s major cities will serve as a key catalyst for the success of VM2026–2027 by strengthening Malaysia’s presence and appeal in the Russian market. Through meaningful engagements during the Sales Mission, this will also ensure that Malaysia’s tourism industry remains sustainable and contributes to Malaysia’s long-term economic growth.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2026 Heads To Penang With Exclusive Travel Deals And Prizes

 

PENANG — Tourism Malaysia and Star Media Group Berhad (SMG) are bringing the Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia (SKCCM) 2026 to Penang, taking place from 24 to 27 September 2026 at Sunway Carnival Mall, Seberang Perai. The four-day event will feature exclusive holiday promotions and special discounts, allowing visitors to explore holiday packages and book their next getaway with participating travel agencies.

Under the theme “Explore, Experience, Excite”, SKCCM 2026 celebrates the richness of Malaysia's tourism offerings while encouraging more Malaysians to explore the country. The six-state tour, spanning Pahang, Johor, Sabah, Penang, Selangor, and Sarawak, is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors and create valuable opportunities for tourism industry players to engage directly with travellers. The tour has already surpassed its RM1 million sales target, supported by Malaysians across the Pahang, Johor, and Sabah carnivals.

Building on the tour's momentum, Mr Mohd Roslan Abdullah, Senior Director of the Domestic & Events Division, Tourism Malaysia, noted that Malaysia will continue working with industry partners, including SMG, on initiatives such as SKCCM to encourage more domestic travel.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia And Space Travel Explore Opportunities To Grow Russian Market

 

Russia | Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim representing Tourism Malaysia in the sales mission in Russia held a productive engagement with Space Travel, a leading Russian tour operator, to explore opportunities to further grow tourist arrivals to Malaysia.

Space Travel reported strong demand, including popular Kuala Lumpur–Langkawi packages and growing interest in concert tourism, with Russian fans travelling to Malaysia for major international concerts.

Tourism Malaysia highlighted the continued growth of Russian arrivals and the significant potential to expand the market through stronger promotion, destination knowledge and industry collaboration.

Discussions also focused on B2B training, digital promotion, competitive airfares and airline partnerships, with both sides committed to developing more attractive Malaysia packages for Russian travellers.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Reinforces India Market Engagement At Melange 3.0 In Mumbai

 

MUMBAI — Tourism Malaysia is intensifying its promotional efforts in the Indian market by participating in Melange 3.0, held today at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai. The participation forms part of Tourism Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to promote Malaysia’s rich tourism offerings, unique experiences, and upcoming events under the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 (VM2026–2027) campaign.

This year, Tourism Malaysia, together with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and the Malaysian Indian Tourism and Travel Association (MITTA), participated in the highly anticipated travel trade gathering, bringing together a total of eight Malaysian tourism stakeholders, including tour operators, hoteliers, and tourism attractions.

The initiative aimed to strengthen trade partnerships, create new business opportunities, introduce Malaysia’s latest tourism products, and further position the country as a preferred destination for Indian travellers. The presence of the presidents of both MATTA and MITTA further demonstrated strong industry collaboration and commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the Indian market.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Expo Japan (TEJ) 2026: Malaysia Highlights Its Destinations And Experiences, Intensifying Japan Promotions

 

TOKYO, JAPAN – Malaysia is strengthening its tourism presence in the Japanese market through its participation in Tourism Expo Japan (TEJ) 2026, with the Malaysia Pavilion officially opened today at Tokyo Big Sight, showcasing the country’s diverse tourism products, destinations and experiences.

The Malaysia Pavilion was officially launched by Mr Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotions II) of Tourism Malaysia, in the presence of Mr. Zainal Azlan Mohd Nadzir, Deputy Chief of Mission / Minister, Embassy of Malaysia, Tokyo, Malaysian tourism industry representatives and Japanese tourism industry stakeholders.

Malaysia’s participation at TEJ 2026 also featured several key initiatives aimed at strengthening Malaysia–Japan tourism cooperation, including the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Tourism Malaysia and JTB Corporation, the launch of Edu+ 2.0 in collaboration with the National Association of Private Education Institutions (NAPEI), and the launch of the Malaysia Gourmet Book, “Tabetai, Aitai, Malaysia”, highlighting Malaysia’s diverse culinary offerings and gastronomic experiences.

-Tourism Malaysia.