04-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tourism Malaysia steps up VMY2026 preparations with Langkawi dialogue
Tourism Malaysia held a high-level engagement session with industry stakeholders in Langkawi today, marking a significant step in operational preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).
Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Planning) Shahrin Mokhtar said the session, which involved tourism industry players, focused on intensifying promotional strategies, enhancing tourism products and strengthening public–private sector cooperation to support the goals of VMY2026.
"The selection of 'Malaysia: Sustainable and Culturally Rich Destination' as the theme for VMY2026 reflects the nation's aspiration to position Malaysia as an exclusive destination that balances tourism development with the preservation of natural and cultural heritage.
"Langkawi is a world-class tourism destination renowned for its natural beauty, stunning beaches and diverse flora and fauna. In addition to being recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi is known as a premier destination that upholds sustainability values," he said in a statement today.
The session was officiated by Kedah State Economic Planning Division director Junaidi Abdul Rani@Abdul Ghani and attended by Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, along with representatives from government agencies, tourism associations, airlines, hotel operators, tourism product providers and local travel agents.
Shahrin said the Kedah government's continued commitment to green tourism initiatives has helped position Langkawi as one of the key destinations in energising VMY2026.
"Among the initiatives undertaken are environmental conservation, the rebranding of existing tourism products and the promotion of sustainability-based activities to enrich the tourist experience on the island.
"With continued support from various stakeholders, Langkawi is expected to remain a strategic asset in making VMY2026 a success and in positioning Malaysia as a premier sustainable and resilient tourism destination," he said.
