Visit Malaysia 2026 officially launches with nationwide celebrations.
Malaysia hopes to draw 43 million foreign tourists in 2026 with the VM2026 campaign, which is in line with continuous initiatives to bolster the tourism industry as a major engine of the country’s economic expansion.
The Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign was officially launched by Tourism Malaysia with a nationwide celebration across major international gateways and transit hubs to welcome foreign visitors to Malaysia in the new year.
One of the main locations for this important opening-day endeavour was Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), where YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, attended the main welcome. Concurrently, the nation’s premier tourism campaign got off to a united start with welcoming ceremonies held at 55 strategic places and major entry points across all 13 states.
“VM2026 is a national movement that embodies our unity, peace, friendliness, and cultural diversity; it is not only a tourism campaign. We are demonstrating Malaysia’s dedication to provide an inclusive, innovative, and inviting tourist experience throughout 2026 by welcoming visitors on the first day of the year,” the Minister stated.
Close cooperation with state governments, airlines, airport officials, tourism industry participants, and key partners enabled the countrywide welcome ceremonies. Corporate partners such as BOH, D&D Beauty House Kuala Lumpur, DSR Taiko Berhad, Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL), Gamuda Land, Grab Malaysia, Guardian, JINS Health Group, Ladang Sari International, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), MAMEE, MITEC, Oriental Coffee, ParagonCorp MY, Photobook Charm, Seri Spa, Syarikat Permainan Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Trans Eco-Farm, etc. Provided logistical support, venue preparations, and sponsorships.
Malaysia will launch a year long calendar of over 300 events that showcase the country’s festive customs, artistic legacy, and multicultural culture as part of the VM2026 campaign. Along with well known cultural events like the Tadau Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak Festivals, the VM2026 Chinese New Year Festival, VM2026 Aidilfitri Festival, VM2026 Deepavali Festival, and VM2026 Christmas Fest are among the event’s highlights.
From culinary demonstrations and cultural parades to traditional performances, spiritual observances, and year round community-led celebrations, these carefully planned events provide immersive experiences.
By utilising Malaysia’s enormous potential as a top tourist destination, VM2026 is anticipated to increase visitor numbers while creating jobs, improving the country’s reputation abroad, and providing real economic advantages to nearby areas. Along with fostering growth in a number of industries outside of tourism, such as hospitality, transportation, retail, and the culinary arts, the campaign will also enhance cultural awareness.
