4 days ago
Selamat datang to more UK guests
Opening gong: Ahmad Zahid launching Visit Malaysia 2026 in London.
LONDON: Malaysia is eyeing the arrival of more than 500,000 visitors from the United Kingdom for Visit Malaysia 2026, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the United Kingdom remains one of Malaysia's strongest European markets.
Last year, 390,035 travellers from the United Kingdom visited Malaysia, contributing over RM2.5bil in visitor receipts.
'We are grateful for this continued support and I am confident that for Visit Malaysia 2026, we will surpass the target of 500,000 arrivals,' he said during his speech at the launch of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Ahmad Zahid said the launch in London, known for its vibrant hub of culture, trade and travel, would allow those in the city to rediscover Malaysia in all its colours, charm and diversity.
'Tourism is more than an economic activity; I see it as a bridge of hearts. It brings people together, creates memories and builds understanding.
'Today, we reaffirm that bridge and we commit to strengthening it even further,' he added.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia's tourism sector has shown extraordinary resilience and growth, with 38 million international arrivals and RM106.78bil in tourist receipts recorded in 2024.
Between January and April alone, Malaysia recorded 13.4 million international arrivals, marking a 21% increase compared to the same period last year, he noted.
He said at a recent Tourism and Culture Cabinet Committee meeting which he chaired, the government had approved 103 new international routes, 29 additional frequencies and five charter flights, all in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026.
'I believe these routes are more than just infrastructure; they are gateways to opportunities for travellers, operators and investors alike.
'It's a signal to the world that Malaysia is ready to welcome, to connect and to collaborate.
'We're laying the groundwork now so that by the time Visit Malaysia 2026 starts, every journey to Malaysia feels seamless, inspiring and worth repeating,' he added.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that Visit Malaysia 2026 is not just another promotional campaign but is a national agenda that is forward-looking to position tourism at the heart of Malaysia's economic and cultural growth.
'This campaign is our collective invitation to the world, built on shared values and inspired by new possibilities,' he said.
At a press conference, Ahmad Zahid said efforts would be made to intensify promotions of Malaysia's hidden gems ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
He said feedback from tourism industry players in London revealed that Malaysia has not fully tapped into promoting its hidden gems to boost visitor arrivals, such as the attractions in Sabah and Sarawak.
Ahmad Zahid noted that there remains an opportunity to adjust tourism marketing and promotional strategies, given that Visit Malaysia 2026 is about seven months away.
He said the government would also look into offering incentives for travellers who use Malaysia-based airlines to stop over in the country following feedback from industry players.
