Tourism Malaysia promotes Visit Malaysia Year 2026 at ATM
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, through its agency Tourism Malaysia is once again participating in Arabian Travel Market (ATM) to target more tourists from West Asia.
Tourism Malaysia also launched VM2026 latest video which highlights surreal experiences in Malaysia.
The Malaysian delegation is led by The Honourable Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, who is accompanied by Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.
The delegation consists of 82 different organisations, which include five (5) state tourism boards, 34 tour operators, 35 hotels and resorts, five Tourism Products, two tourism associations alongside one airline.
The Honourable Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said: "Our multipronged VM2026 strategy provides a comprehensive framework to boost Malaysia's visibility, enhance destination accessibility and elevate our tourism offerings.'
The VM2026 logo, a symbol of Malaysia's vibrant culture, natural beauty, and global appeal, serves as a visual representation of the country's readiness to welcome tourists from around the world.
Adopted as the campaign's official icon, the Malayan Sun Bear, a proud and endangered species, reflects Malaysia's deep commitment to wildlife conservation. Designed in a lovable, animated style, the mascot is intended to resonate with audiences of all ages, evoking a sense of warmth and joy while enhancing Malaysia's image as a welcoming and family-friendly destination. -TradeArabia News Service
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Biz Bahrain
2 days ago
- Biz Bahrain
Tourism spending in the Middle East is projected to reach $350bln by 2030, according to a new travel industry report
A new report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) predicts that by 2030, total tourism spend in the Middle East will be 50% higher than in 2024, generating expenditure of nearly US$350 billion. The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 reveals insights into the trends and transformations redefining the travel sector in the Middle East and worldwide, including the surge of business travel, the growth of the luxury segment, and the boom in regional sports tourism. The report highlights exceptional growth in Middle East travel spending, projected to exceed 2019 levels by 54% this year and anticipates an annual growth rate of over 7% from 2025 to 2030. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'The report's findings confirm that travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong, with annual growth averaging more than 7% through 2030. Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum.' Underscoring the Middle East's strong position in global tourism, inbound travel from outside the region is set to grow by 13% annually up to 2030 and outbound business travel forecast to surge at 9% per year. European source markets make up 50% of all leisure travel to the Middle East, with India and the United Kingdom the top two inbound international leisure source markets. China is also a critical market, ranking third by value with leisure spend expected to increase by 130% by 2030. Furthermore, tourism nights by visitors from Asia Pacific and Africa, are expected to increase by over 100% between now and 2030. For outbound travel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt dominate regional flows, while Thailand and the United Kingdom lead as preferred long-haul destinations. The four largest airlines in the region – Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Saudia – have placed nearly 780 aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus, representing major expansions to their existing fleets. This significant investment underscores the region's strategic focus on becoming a global aviation hub and meeting rising passenger demand over the coming decade. The Middle East's rise as a global hub for business events is another key highlight of the report, which states that spending on Middle East business travel will grow 1.5 times faster than the global average through to 2030. The region's strategic location at the centre of Asia, Africa, and Europe supports business and leisure travel, with the latter on a particularly strong trajectory for growth. The sector plays a vital role in developing the region's reputation for hosting major events. It is expected to experience the second-fastest rate of business travel growth among all global regions, underscoring the increased potential for combining business and leisure travel, or 'bleisure'. Curtis commented: 'At ATM 2025, we recognised the industry's hunger for innovation in travel technology as well as the rising demand for business travel across the region. In response, we launched two dynamic new zones, IBTM@ATM and the Innovation Zone, designed to empower our growing audience to shape the future of travel with the speed and scale our exciting industry demands.' The region is also witnessing unprecedented growth in luxury and lifestyle tourism, attracting a new generation of high-net-worth travellers, drawn to exceptional Middle East hospitality, curated experiences and premium cultural events. According to the report global spending on luxury leisure hospitality is expected to continue growing briskly reaching over US$390 billion by 2028. 'Travellers drawn to the Middle East tend to spend more on travel overall, nearly 60% habitually spending on luxury experiences while travelling compared to under 40% among travellers who favour other destinations,' added Curtis. Of the more than 170 luxury hotel properties in the Middle East, nearly 100 are situated Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with 22 currently in development. With several luxury properties in the pipeline among Saudi Arabia's Giga projects, the region will continue to serve as a preferred destination for luxury and leisure travellers. Following in the footsteps of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and Dubai Expo 2020, the Middle East region has a proven track record for successfully hosting high-profile entertainment and sports events. According to the ATM Travel Trends report, the strong appetite for sports tourism in the region will lead to a potential growth rate of 63% in the coming years, with the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia set to continue this momentum. According to the report, golf, motorsports, football, cycling, and esports are all benefiting from heightened visibility and investment in the region. This surge in sporting and entertainment events is significantly boosting the travel industry, driving increased demand for hotel stays, flights, and related services, creating a ripple effect that supports broader tourism growth. ATM is the leading international travel and tourism event held annually in Dubai. It plays a vital role in shaping the future of global travel. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 2025 edition welcomed over 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, achieving year-on-year growth of 16%. The next edition will take place from 4-7 May 2026. To view the report, please click here.
Trade Arabia
5 days ago
- Trade Arabia
Bahrain's Sama Bay Project enters fast track
Bahrain-based Millet Engineering Bureau has announced that work is in full swing at the Sama Bay development located on the Galali waterfront with its second phase over 90% completed. According to the Bureau, the initial phase of Sama Bay covered a total area of 75,000 sq m in a prime coastal location. This phase introduces a vibrant mix of facilities including 14 retail units with flexible leasing options, 14 food trucks integrated within an open-air service zone, and two fully equipped public beaches designed to accommodate recreational and leisure activities. As the firm overseeing the design and implementation of Sama Bay project, Millet Engineering Bureau said it was delighted to see the project on track for full delivery in the near future. The second phase represents a pivotal advancement, introducing an exclusive array of seaside dining venues designed to deliver exceptional culinary experiences in an idyllic setting, said a statement from the Bureau. These additions are set to further elevate the project's profile as a signature destination and a driver of both tourism and economic growth, in alignment with Bahrain's Tourism Strategy 2022–2026 and the national development goals outlined in Economic Vision 2030. It also features the 'Al Nakheel Premium,' a state-of-the-art open-air fitness gym nestled in a natural environment, alongside multiple sports amenities such as a football field, padel courts, and a variety of outdoor seating areas distributed throughout designated relaxation and social zones, said the statement. Dr Salman Alghatam, the General Manager of Millet Engineering Bureau, stated that work on Sama Bay has progressed in alignment with the project's master schedule and in accordance with the highest engineering and quality standards. "In a remarkably short span, the project has emerged as a flagship destination for tourism, recreation, and lifestyle activities, drawing widespread interest from Muharraq residents, citizens, and international visitors alike," stated Dr Alghatam. "Its strategic coastal setting, combined with thoughtfully designed spaces, offers a seamless and enriching experience that meets a broad spectrum of interests while delivering outstanding quality and comfort," he added. Dr. Alghatam pointed out that since the launch of Phase I, the Sama Bay has attracted strong visitor engagement and served as a venue for major public events such as Bahrain Sports Day, affirming its role as a dynamic hub for wellness and community life. The second and final phase of the project significantly elevates the waterfront experience through the addition of six architecturally distinct buildings with direct sea views, each designed to accommodate two restaurants, he stated.
Trade Arabia
6 days ago
- Trade Arabia
Middle East tourism spend to jump 50% to $350bn by 2030
The total tourism spend in the Middle East by 2030 will be 50% higher than in 2024, generating expenditure of nearly $350 billion, according to A new report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM). The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 reveals insights into the trends and transformations redefining the travel sector in the Middle East and worldwide, including the surge of business travel, the growth of the luxury segment, and the boom in regional sports tourism. The report highlights exceptional growth in Middle East travel spending, projected to exceed 2019 levels by 54% this year and anticipates an annual growth rate of over 7% from 2025 to 2030. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'The report's findings confirm that travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong, with annual growth averaging more than 7 per cent through 2030. Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum.' Underscoring the Middle East's strong position in global tourism, inbound travel from outside the region is set to grow by 13 per cent annually up to 2030 and outbound business travel forecast to surge at 9 per cent per year. European source markets make up 50% of all leisure travel to the Middle East, with India and the United Kingdom the top two inbound international leisure source markets. China is also a critical market, ranking third by value with leisure spend expected to increase by 130% by 2030. Furthermore, tourism nights by visitors from Asia Pacific and Africa, are expected to increase by over 100% between now and 2030. For outbound travel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt dominate regional flows, while Thailand and the United Kingdom lead as preferred long-haul destinations. The four largest airlines in the region – Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Saudia – have placed nearly 780 aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus, representing major expansions to their existing fleets. This significant investment underscores the region's strategic focus on becoming a global aviation hub and meeting rising passenger demand over the coming decade. The Middle East's rise as a global hub for business events is another key highlight of the report, which states that spending on Middle East business travel will grow 1.5 times faster than the global average through to 2030. The region's strategic location at the centre of Asia, Africa, and Europe supports business and leisure travel, with the latter on a particularly strong trajectory for growth. The sector plays a vital role in developing the region's reputation for hosting major events. It is expected to experience the second-fastest rate of business travel growth among all global regions, underscoring the increased potential for combining business and leisure travel, or 'bleisure'. Curtis commented: 'At ATM 2025, we recognised the industry's hunger for innovation in travel technology as well as the rising demand for business travel across the region. In response, we launched two dynamic new zones, IBTM@ATM and the Innovation Zone, designed to empower our growing audience to shape the future of travel with the speed and scale our exciting industry demands.' The region is also witnessing unprecedented growth in luxury and lifestyle tourism, attracting a new generation of high-net-worth travellers, drawn to exceptional Middle East hospitality, curated experiences and premium cultural events. According to the report global spending on luxury leisure hospitality is expected to continue growing briskly reaching over US$390 billion by 2028. 'Travellers drawn to the Middle East tend to spend more on travel overall, nearly 60% habitually spending on luxury experiences while travelling compared to under 40% among travellers who favour other destinations,' added Curtis. Of the more than 170 luxury hotel properties in the Middle East, nearly 100 are situated Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with 22 currently in development. With several luxury properties in the pipeline among Saudi Arabia's Giga projects, the region will continue to serve as a preferred destination for luxury and leisure travellers. Following in the footsteps of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and Dubai Expo 2020, the Middle East region has a proven track record for successfully hosting high-profile entertainment and sports events. According to the ATM Travel Trends report, the strong appetite for sports tourism in the region will lead to a potential growth rate of 63% in the coming years, with the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia set to continue this momentum. According to the report, golf, motorsports, football, cycling, and esports are all benefiting from heightened visibility and investment in the region. This surge in sporting and entertainment events is significantly boosting the travel industry, driving increased demand for hotel stays, flights, and related services, creating a ripple effect that supports broader tourism growth.
