Malaysia has officially launched the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign in a grand event held at Hangar 6, MAB Engineering Complex on January 6, 2025. The campaign was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who unveiled the official logo, mascot, theme song, and aircraft livery, marking a significant milestone in the country’s tourism journey.
The VM2026 logo, a vibrant representation of Malaysia’s culture, natural beauty, and global appeal, was revealed on the aircraft of Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and AirAsia. This marks the first time these airlines will display the logo on their aircraft, symbolizing a united effort to promote tourism and generate global excitement for the upcoming year.
The event also premiered the official theme song, Surreal Experiences, which encapsulates Malaysia’s unique attractions and will play a key role in drawing international attention and engagement.
Adding a touch of charm and environmental consciousness, the Malayan Sun Bear, an endangered species and a symbol of Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation, has been chosen as the campaign’s mascot. Designed in a lovable, animated style, the mascot aims to appeal to all age groups and reinforce Malaysia’s image as a warm and welcoming destination.
Strategic Importance and Economic Impact
The launch event was attended by key representatives from various ministries, highlighting the national significance of VM2026. As part of Malaysia’s broader National Agenda, the campaign aims to increase tourism revenue, strengthen the country’s global tourism competitiveness, and position the sector as one of the largest contributors to the national GDP.
With Malaysia’s vast potential as a world-class tourist destination, VM2026 is expected to boost tourism, create employment opportunities, and enhance the nation’s global image. The campaign is poised to bring prosperity to local communities and drive growth across various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, retail, and the food industry.
Collaborations and Partnerships
To ensure the success of VM2026, several strategic partnerships were formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with key industry players. These include Malaysia Aviation Group, AirAsia, Batik Air, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Huawei, Mastercard, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH). These partnerships aim to enhance connectivity, expand marketing initiatives, and offer seamless travel experiences through technological innovation and exclusive promotional offers.
Build-Up Events and Community Engagement
As part of the build-up to VM2026, the Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR) 2025 will be held on 8 February 2025 at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Endorsed by the Prime Minister, the event is expected to attract over 20,000 participants and will celebrate Malaysia’s cultural heritage while promoting a healthy lifestyle. MSMR 2025 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, with collaborations from Locco, renowned for the popular Keretapi Sarong event, which showcases Malaysia’s multicultural harmony.
Ambitious Targets and Future Outlook
VM2026 sets an ambitious target of welcoming 35.6 million international tourists and generating RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, under the leadership of YB Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, is committed to making the campaign a resounding success by leveraging Malaysia’s rich heritage, diverse attractions, and strategic partnerships.
The Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign is poised to be a transformative initiative, elevating Malaysia’s status as a top global tourist destination while fostering economic growth and cultural enrichment.
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