The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board is aiming for the country to record 45 million tourist arrivals this year, further promoting the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (TMM2026) campaign.
The board's director, Datuk Manoharan, stated that with over 38 million tourists recorded in the country last year, the above target is within reach.
“Records show that up to February this year, tourist arrivals to Malaysia increased by 31.3% compared to the same period last year, rising to 6.7 million from 5.1 million, with a majority coming from Singapore, China, and India.”
“Looking at this trend in tourist numbers, we are very optimistic about reaching the goal of 45 million visitors, and it is indeed achievable. To realize this target, cooperation from all industry players, including tourism product operators and state governments, is crucial.”
He said this on Sunday after engaging with Kelantan's tourism industry participants. Attendees included Datuk Kamarudin, the state executive councilor responsible for tourism, culture, arts, and heritage affairs in Kelantan.
Referring to the engagement session, Manoharan mentioned that the event aimed to comprehensively explain the initiatives and opportunities proposed by the board and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture to Kelantan's tourism players to support the national agenda in driving the success of TMM2026.
“The main initiatives shared included grants for international and charter package operators under the International and Charter Package Stimulus Grant (GSPC), tourism sector matching grants (GSSP), tourism promotion grants (GAMELAN), and cultural sector matching grants (GSSK).”
Manoharan stated that the Tourism Promotion Board will work closely with all tourism players within each state and assist them in promoting their products or organizing any cultural and artistic activities.
“We have found that compared to Selangor, Sabah, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang, Kelantan and Negeri Sembilan are less proactive in applying for grants to promote their state's tourism sector.
“Therefore, we hope the operators will take this opportunity to apply for the assistance, plans, or grants provided by the government to strengthen tourism promotion activities within their respective states.”