Fly & Ride: Season 2 – Malaysia Coastal Expedition 2026

 

8 September 2026 – Flag-Off FLY & RIDE: Season 2 – Malaysia Coastal Expedition 2026 telah berlangsung di Trinidad Suites, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, dan disempurnakan oleh En. Jeffri bin Munir, Ketua Pegawai Operasi, Majestic Johor Tourism Sdn. Bhd.

Program ini melibatkan 40 peserta tempatan dan antarabangsa dengan kayuhan hari pertama sejauh ±110 km dari Johor Bahru menuju Batu Pahat sebelum meneruskan perjalanan ke Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, dan Kuala Lumpur.

Pemilihan Johor sebagai titik permulaan turut memberi peluang untuk mengetengahkan negeri ini sebagai destinasi pelancongan sukan dan berbasikal, di samping memperkenalkan keindahan, budaya, makanan serta hospitaliti Johor kepada peserta antarabangsa.

Penganjuran ini turut mendapat sokongan Tourism Malaysia dan dilaksanakan selari dengan kempen Visit Malaysia 2026, sekali gus memperkukuh promosi Johor dan Malaysia sebagai destinasi pelancongan sukan bertaraf antarabangsa.

-Tourism Johor.

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.

Eyes on Johor’s upcoming tourism revival

 

JOHOR BARU: With just five months to go before Visit Johor 2026 (VJ2026), many are talking about what the southern state has to offer. 

With an upcoming trip to Johor, Sabahan Jordy Elver Osmond, 24, who is pursuing a degree in education, said he was eagerly awaiting it. 

“I have always heard from my Johor friends that the state is more advanced than many other states, especially in terms of leisure attractions.

“As a waterpark lover, I’m exci­ted. There are at least three major theme parks to explore. 

“Hopefully, there will be special promotions offered,” he said in an interview. 

Jordy hopes to see Johor elevate its appeal by hosting more international-scale events.

“Many Malaysians will agree that we need more international concerts. Why should they be limited to Kuala Lumpur? 

“I hope Johor can bring in what others cannot,” he said. 

Public relations practitioner Yew Chin Choon, 23, said a friend in Johor invited her to visit. 

“To be honest, my family and I have not seen much publicity about VJ2026, but I am excited to see what is in store compared to other states I have visited. 

“As the one who usually plans our family trips, I hope to disco­ver more family-friendly recreational spots beyond just shopping malls,” she said. 

She said eco-tourism within city areas would be an added attraction. 

“Coming from a town like Klang, I would love to see green spaces and eco-tourism destinations in urban areas, something I hear Johor has a lot of,” said Yew. 

Intern M. Daneswaren, 23, from Penang, said he was eager to explore Johor’s tourism scene, given the state’s larger size and resources. 

“As a Penangite, I am curious to see how Johor compares with Penang, which is a global tourism spot. 

“I have heard Johor is a hub for sports enthusiasts, and as someone who enjoys various sports, I do want to see what it has to offer. 

“Aside from scenic spots, international-scale events like youth forums or major sports tournaments would be something interesting,” he said. 

For pharmacist Doretty Epina Richard, 27, of Sarawak, travelling with her large family means that accessibility and convenience will be key. 

“Good transport and tour packages that suit all age groups make a big difference. It has been three years since we visited Johor. 

“I look forward to seeing how Johor has changed,” she said. 

In April, Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government carried out 33 infrastructure projects over the past year to improve local tourism spots. 

Among the projects were the second phase of upgrading works at the Johor Zoo, redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Melayu, opening of the Royal Botanical Garden and restoration of the Royal Abu Bakar Museum at Istana Besar Johor here. 

Other projects included the upgrade of the Gunung Ledang National Park in Tangkak and the Tanjung Piai National Park in Pontian.

-thestar online.

RM50m in tourism, culture grants almost used up, says Tourism Malaysia

 

Tourism Malaysia Southern Region deputy director Awang Shawal Awang Sulaiman (second from right) launching the Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor 2026 vehicle stickers for tourism buses at Taman Mawar in Pasir Gudang today. - Pic by Mary Victoria Dass

PASIR GUDANG: The federal government's RM50 million allocation for grants to boost tourism and cultural activities has nearly run dry due to overwhelming response from industry players and event organisers. 

Tourism Malaysia Southern Region deputy director Awang Shawal Awang Sulaiman said the strong response to the Tourism Sector Support Grant (GSSP) and Cultural Sector Support Grant (GSSK) bodes well for the run-up to Visit Malaysia 2026. "We did not expect this level of interest. 

"It's barely halfway through the year but the RM20 million under GSSK and RM30 million under GSSP have been heavily subscribed since applications opened in January.

"We are confident the grants will continue next year. For now, we urge more organisers to apply before the end of the year," he said after launching the Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor 2026 (VJ2026) vehicle stickers for tourism buses at Taman Mawar here today. 

Present were state Tourism, Arts and Culture director Norazlin Abu Mutalib and Tourism Johor director Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim.

The initiative, organised with the Johor Tour Bus Operators Association, involved affixing campaign stickers on 70 tourism vehicles to raise public and visitor awareness. 

Awang Shawal said multiple agencies were committed to making VM2026 and VJ2026 successful through strategic partnerships and aggressive promotional drives. 

"This collaborative approach will strengthen Malaysia's tourism ecosystem and unlock more economic opportunities, especially for locals and industry stakeholders. 

"We are confident these efforts will reaffirm Malaysia's position as a premier global destination, with Johor as the gateway for Southeast Asian tourists," he said.

-nst online.

Johor Calendar Of Events 2025

 

-Tourism Johor.

Tourism forum ideal to promote state

 

THE ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), which will be held in Johor Baru in January next year, is a great platform for the state government to promote Visit Johor Year 2026 (VJY2026).

Established in 1981, ATF is a cooperative regional effort to promote ASEAN as one tourism destination.

Malaysian Association of Travel and Tour Agents (MATTA) Johor chairman Kathryn Lee said the association would work together with the relevant parties to attract more tourists to Johor.

“We have less than two years to start planning and to ensure the success of VJY2026,” she said.

Lee said she hoped Johor MATTA could meet with Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who is now in charge of the tourism portfolio, and Tourism Johor to discuss VJY2026 matters.

“We have submitted our proposal to the state government on ways to further develop, strengthen and position the state’s tourism sector.”

Lee said the suggestions include having more international direct flights to Senai International Airport, especially from countries in the region.

“China is a big market. We can attract more tourists from the country if we have direct flights from other Chinese cities besides Guangzhou, to Johor Baru.”

Lee said Chinese tourists from cities other than Guangzhou who were planning to visit Johor, have to fly to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport or Singapore’s Changi Airport.

“Tourism involves inbound and outbound tourists. Johor needs to attract more inbound visitors especially from countries in the region.”

Lee said the Johor Baru-Haikou direct charter flights that started on April 24, were popular with Malaysians flying from the state to Haikou in Hainan, China. She said the focus should be on agro-tourism and shopping.

“Chinese tourists love durians and ours are the best in the world.

“Johor, as the country’s main producer of the fruits, is in a good position to attract them.”

Next year’s ATF is set for Jan 19 to 25.

-thestar online.

Johor to corporatise tourism arm ahead of Visit Johor Year 2026

 

PENGERANG: As part of preparations for Visit Johor Year 2026, the state will be corporatising its tourism arm by the end of this year, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

The Mentri Besar said Tourism Johor’s organisation must be strengthened as the state aims to be the main destination in Malaysia.

“During an audience with Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim recently, the matter about corporatising Tourism Johor was brought up.

“As part of the state government’s initiative to strengthen its tourism sector, Tourism Johor will undergo a corporatisation process within the next six months.

“So by the end of this year, Tourism Johor should be fully corporatised,” he said when met after the closing ceremony of the Johor tourism empowerment workshop at a hotel in Bandar Penawar here on Monday (April 29).

Onn Hafiz added that corporatising government-owned tourism agencies was not new as similar moves have been made by other state governments.

“By corporatising Tourism Johor, we will have the opportunity to employ individuals with strong tourism backgrounds so they can help market local tourism products.

“This is because Tourism Johor is the main agency when it comes to promoting tourism matters in the state,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tourism Johor director Sharil Nizam Abdul Rahim said the move to corporatise the agency can help expand its management scope.

“Corporatisation for Tourism Johor is actually good, (and) will lead to improving the way we operate as the management would be bigger and better.

"It will also be easy for us in the near future to collaborate with private bodies, both domestically and internationally, to bring tourists into Johor,” he added.

-thestar online.

Johor to host ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2025

 

JOHOR BARU: The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) will be hosted by Johor in 2025, says Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

He thanked the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for choosing Forest City as the venue for the event, set for Jan 19 until Jan 25 next year.

"During minister Datuk Tiong King Sing’s visit to Johor, we discussed the prestigious event, which will involve all tourism ministers in the Asean region, with the addition of China," he said in a Facebook post on Sunday (March 31).

Established in 1981, ATF is a cooperative regional effort to promote Asean as one tourism destination.

Each year, the hosting of ATF was rotated among the 10 Asean member countries; this year’s event was held in Vientiane, Laos from Jan 22 to Jan 27.

Onn Hafiz added that he and Tiong’s entourage also went through the state’s plans and direction for the upcoming Visit Johor Year 2026 where 12 million tourism arrivals were targeted.

A total of RM67.6mil had also been set aside under the state budget for 2024 to improve Johor’s tourism infrastructure, he said.

He added that other plans and efforts include organising more international-level tourism events and hoped that the cooperation between Johor and the federal tourism agencies could place the state among the top tourism destinations in Malaysia.

"This is an important initiative to ensure Johor’s readiness to receive tourists and visitors to make Visit Johor Year 2026 a success," he said.

-thestar online.

Tahun Melawat Johor 2026, sasar 12 juta pelancong

 

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Tahun 2026 diumumkan sebagai Tahun Melawat Johor dengan menyasarkan kedatangan seramai 12 juta pelancong ke negeri ini.

Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi berkata, matlamat itu akan dijayakan dengan pelaksanaan beberapa inisiatif termasuk penambahbaikan infrastruktur pelancongan, penganjuran acara bertaraf antarabangsa, pemasaran dan promosi Majestic Johor serta pengenalan destinasi pelancongan mampan.

“Johor bertuah kerana memiliki alam semula jadi yang indah dan menarik serta bangunan warisan bersejarah yang mampu menjadi tarikan pelancong dari seluruh dunia. Sehubungan itu, dengan sukacita saya mengumumkan tahun 2026 sebagai Tahun Melawat Johor. Pelbagai usaha akan dibuat dalam menarik pelancong dari dalam dan luar negara.

“Sebagai makluman, Johor telah menerima seramai 7.6 juta pelancong pada tahun 2019, iaitu sebelum pandemik Covid-19 melanda, manakala pada tahun ini, bilangan kemasukan pelancong diunjurkan mampu mencapai lapan juta,” katanya semasa membentangkan Belanjawan Johor 2024 di Kota Iskandar, di sini hari ini.

Kerajaan negeri akan bekerjasama dengan kerajaan Pusat, khususnya kementerian berkenaan dalam menjayakan beberapa projek yang telah dirancang bagi tujuan berkenaan.

“Kerajaan negeri dengan kerjasama Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC), pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT) serta agensi berkaitan lain telah memperuntukkan RM67.6 juta bagi melaksanakan beberapa projek.

“Antara projek itu termasuk menaik taraf jeti utama dan Jambatan Sungai Ular di Taman Negara Johor, Pulau Kukup dengan kos RM20 juta, menaik taraf kemudahan infrastruktur penginapan dan kompleks pelawat di Taman Negara Johor, Endau-Rompin Peta dengan kos RM2 juta serta membina ruang masuk dan menaik taraf laman ketibaan di Taman Negara Johor, Tanjung Piai dengan kos RM1.2 juta,” katanya.

Onn Hafiz turut memberitahu, penganjuran acara Festival Majestic Johor akan diteruskan dan ditambah baik selepas berjaya menarik kehadiran pelancong domestik dan asing ke negeri ini sepanjang tempoh penganjurannya.

“Festival Majestic Johor telah menerima anugerah ‘Gold Award Attractive State Tourism Event’. Oleh itu, RM1.7 juta diperuntukkan bagi meneruskan inisiatif ini.

“Selain itu, kita juga akan memperkasakan peranan Jawatankuasa Kumpulan Penyelarasan Destinasi Pelancongan Mampan sebagai program rintis yang akan dilaksanakan di daerah Mersing selari dengan Dasar Pelancongan Negara 2020-2030 dan Matlamat Pembangunan Lestari,” tambahnya.

-utusan online.