LONDON, JANUARY 2025 – Malaysia proudly launched the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign today in a spectacular event held at Hangar 6, MAB Engineering Complex. The event was officiated by the Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, unveiling the campaign’s logo, mascot, theme song, and aircraft livery.
The VM2026 logo, is a symbol of Malaysia’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and global appeal, serves as a visual reminder of the country’s readiness to welcome tourists worldwide. The logo was creatively unveiled on the aircrafts of Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and AirAsia. This marks the first time that these airlines will proudly display the logo as part of their aircraft designs, symbolising a united front in promoting tourism and generating excitement for the transformative year ahead.
The event also premiered the official VM2026 theme song, titled Surreal Experiences which captures the essence of Malaysia’s unique offerings. This song will be a key component of the campaign to attract global attention and engage visitors with the enchanting experiences Malaysia has to offer.
In addition, the Malayan Sun Bear, a proud endangered species and a symbol of Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation, has been adopted as the official icon for the campaign. Designed in a lovable, animated style, the Malayan Sun Bear aims to appeal to all ages, evoking a sense of warmth and joy, and further enhancing Malaysia’s image as a welcoming destination for tourists.
The event was attended by key representatives from various ministries, reflecting the national importance of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. As part of Malaysia's broader National Agenda, VM2026 aims to increase tourism revenue, strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism competitiveness, and ultimately position the sector as one of the largest contributors to the country’s GDP. With Malaysia’s strong potential as a world-class tourist destination, VM2026 is set to not only boost tourism but also create jobs and enhance the country's global image and bringing prosperity to communities, enriching local cultures, and fostering growth in sectors beyond tourism – including hospitality, transport, retail, and food industries.
The event also featured the exchange of Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) with key strategic partners, including 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 campaigns, and deliver exceptional visitor experiences through innovative technologies, seamless travel experiences, and exclusive promotional offers.
As part of the build-up to VM2026, the Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR) 2025 will be held on 8 February 2025 at the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. This unique cultural and fitness event, endorsed by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is expected to attract over 20,000 participants.
A celebration of Malaysia’s heritage while promoting a healthy lifestyle, MSMR 2025 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and will feature collaborations with Locco, known for the Keretapi Sarong, showcasing Malaysia’s multicultural harmony.
With an ambitious goal to welcome 35.6 million international visitors and generate RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts, VM2026 marks a significant chapter in Malaysia’s tourism journey. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, led by YB Dato' Sri Tiong King Sing, is committed to making VM2026 a memorable and impactful campaign.
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About Tourism Malaysia:
Tourism Malaysia, officially known as the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, operates as an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. Tasked with the comprehensive promotion of Malaysia as a prime tourism destination, Tourism Malaysia has established itself as a prominent entity within the global tourism landscape. Its efforts have borne fruit, with Malaysia attracting a significant influx of tourists, registering an impressive 26.1 million arrivals in 2019 alone. This places Malaysia firmly among the ranks of the world's leading tourism destinations.
For more media information visit: https://www.tourism.gov.my
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