Malaysia Kicks Off Visit Malaysia 2026 Campaign Aiming for $33B in Tourism Receipts
Malaysia officially launched its Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign on January 1, 2026, with coordinated welcome celebrations at 55 key entry points across all 13 states. This ambitious nationwide tourism initiative aims to attract 35.6 million international visitors and generate RM147.1 billion (approximately $33 billion USD) in tourism receipts throughout the year.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim unveiled the campaign’s logo, mascot—featuring the endangered Malayan Sun Bear—and theme song “Surreal Experiences” at a spectacular launch event at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Three major airlines—Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air—will display the VM2026 logo on their aircraft as part of the promotional effort.
The Malaysian government has allocated a record-breaking RM550 million for tourism promotion, including extending visa-free access for Chinese and Indian tourists through the end of 2026. Tourism Minister Tiong King Sing emphasized that “VM2026 is not merely a tourism campaign; it is a nationwide movement that reflects our unity, harmony, warmth, and cultural diversity.”
The campaign promises over 300 events throughout 2026, featuring festivals, cultural showcases, and exhibitions celebrating Malaysia’s multicultural identity. Strategic partnerships were signed with major companies including Marriott International, Mastercard, and Shangri-La Hotels to enhance visitor experiences. With 38.3 million visitors recorded from January to November 2025, Malaysia’s tourism sector is showing robust momentum heading into the campaign year.
Source: tourism.gov.my