Malaysia Extends Visit Malaysia 2026 Campaign

Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, announced the decision to extend the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign until the end of 2027. This decision, which awaits approval from the Malaysia===Cabinet of Malaysia, aims to strengthen promotional strategies and position Malaysia as a safe, stable, and competitive tourism destination. The extension is a proactive measure to address global challenges, particularly the conflict in the Middle East that began on February 28, 2026. This conflict has significantly impacted regional stability and the global tourism sector, leading to projected declines of 11-27% in tourist arrivals from West Asia, affecting tourism hotspots in Asia and ASEAN. The unrest has also disrupted international flight routes, increased travel costs due to rising fuel prices, and reduced tourist confidence. The VM2026 campaign, a national agenda, seeks to boost tourism revenue, enhance Malaysia's competitiveness in the industry, and increase the sector's contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product. Various government agencies, including the Malaysia===Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia===Ministry of Communications (Malaysia), Malaysia===Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Malaysia), and Malaysia===Ministry of Transport (Malaysia), are involved in its implementation.