Latest news with #VM2026
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Malaysia sees tourism boom in 2024 as Gawai festivities light up Sarawak airports
Ting (second left) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Pelawan women chief Anna Lau (third left) present goodie bags to tourists arriving at Sibu Airport. SIBU (June 2): Sarawak's airports came alive with the spirit of Gawai Dayak yesterday, as Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), hosted festive celebrations at Kuching International Airport (KIA) and Sibu Airport. The events, held in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, aimed to share the cultural richness and warmth of Gawai with both domestic and international travellers. Arriving passengers were welcomed with festive goodies, including Sarawak's iconic kek lapis (layered cake) and promotional materials for VM2026. At Sibu Airport, Agatha Ting, special duties officer to federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, and Rubiah Tul'Adwiyah Md Yusof, director of Tourism Malaysia Sarawak, were present alongside representatives from partner agencies and tourism associations. Guests and travellers were also treated to captivating cultural performances by a local dance troupe, showcasing Sarawak's diverse Dayak heritage. Malaysia welcomed 38 million international visitors last year, marking a 31.1 per cent increase from 2023, and 8.3 per cent above the pre-pandemic 2019 levels. In a press release yesterday, Tourism Malaysia said the visitor receipts also surged, generating RM106.78 billion, reflecting a substantial 43.7 per cent growth over 2023 and exceeding 2019 figures by 20 per cent. 'This positive trend has continued into early 2025, with the first four months recording 13.4 million visitor arrivals, a 21.0 per cent year-on-year increase. Between January and April 2025, Singapore remained Malaysia's top visitor-generating market, followed by Indonesia, China, Thailand, India, Brunei, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia and the United Kingdom. Tourism Malaysia noted that the Gawai Dayak Festival is part of its ongoing effort to promote the essence of Sarawak's cultural tapestry and to invite visitors to experience Malaysian hospitality. Gawai Dayak lead Sibu Airport Tourism Malaysia Visit Malaysia 2026
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tourism Malaysia shares Gawai joy with domestic, international travellers
Kevin (second left), Jun Iskandar (second right) and other officials present festive goodies bags to visitors arriving at the Kuching lnternational Airport. KUCHING (June 2): The vibrant spirit of the Gawai Dayak Festival filled Sarawak's airports yesterday as Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), hosted festive celebrations at Kuching International Airport (KIA) and Sibu Airport. Held in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, the events aimed to share the cultural joy of Gawai with both domestic and international travellers. Passengers arriving at the arrival halls were warmly greeted and offered festive goodies, including the iconic Sarawak Kek Lapis (layered cake) and promotional materials for VM2026. At the KIA arrival hall, guests and passengers arriving on AirAsia flights from Kuala Lumpur (AK5232) and Singapore (AK1776) were treated to captivating cultural performances by a local dance troupe, showcasing Sarawak's rich heritage. Also present were Tourism Malaysia Sarawak deputy director Kevin Jantan Robert Bidi, Kuching International Airport senior manager Jun Iskandar Murshidi and representatives from partner agencies, tourism associations and airlines. 'This is the third time that we are organising festive celebrations this year after having done it for the Chinese Lunar New Year and Hari Raya Adilfitri. 'We will also be organising similar programmes for Deepavali and Christmas,' Kevin told reporters. 'The main objective of organising this programme is to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026 as well as promote the Gawai Dayak Festival celebration to both domestic and international visitors,' he added. Celebrated annually on June 1 and 2, the Gawai Dayak Festival is part of Tourism Malaysia's efforts to promote the essence of Sarawak's rich cultural tapestry, inviting everyone to join in the festivities and experience the warmth of Malaysian hospitality. In 2024, Malaysia welcomed 38 million international visitors — a 31.1 per cent increase from 2023 and 8.3 per cent above pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Visitor receipts also surged, generating RM106.78 billion, reflecting a substantial 43.7 per cent growth over 2023 and exceeding 2019 figures by 20 per cent. This positive trend has continued into early 2025, with the first four months recording 13.4 million visitor arrivals — a 21.0 per cent year-on-year increase. From January to April this year, Singapore remained the top visitor-generating market, followed by Indonesia, China, Thailand, India, Brunei, South Korea, The Philippines, Australia and the UK.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Tourism Malaysia, Agoda ink strategic pact to boost VM2026 campaign
KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Malaysia has entered into a strategic two-year collaboration with digital travel platform Agoda to position Malaysia as a top travel destination in Southeast Asia, in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. In a statement today, Tourism Malaysia said the partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC), aims to leverage Agoda's digital prowess to highlight Malaysia's diverse attractions to a global audience. It said the joint initiatives will roll out a series of targeted digital campaigns and the use of Agoda's platform and social media channels to showcase Malaysia's unique tourism offerings, from its diverse culinary delights to its scenic wonders, to the forefront of international travel. 'Embracing digitalisation, we value our partnership with Agoda, a global digital platform, to leverage its industry expertise and innovative travel promotion strategies. Together, we are confident in attracting tourists and achieving our VM2026 objectives,' said Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy. Agoda, meanwhile, will share its vast global travel insights to benefit Tourism Malaysia's policy planning and bolster existing promotional efforts, focusing on both international and domestic travellers. The collaboration also supports Tourism Malaysia's goal of attracting 45 million international visitor arrivals this year. Agoda Country Director Malaysia Fabian Teja said the partnership underscores Agoda's dedication to connecting Malaysia with travellers worldwide through their innovative technology and engaging content. 'We're excited to collaborate with Tourism Malaysia to showcase the market's unique attractions, including its lush rainforests and rich cultural heritage,' he said. The collaboration will also include joint workshops focusing on traveller behaviour and sustainable tourism practices aimed at enhancing user experience and helping travellers explore Malaysia's diverse destinations. It said the partnership not only highlights Tourism Malaysia and Agoda's commitment to making VM2026 a success but also serves as a catalyst for Malaysia's tourism industry growth.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Tourism Malaysia partners Agoda for VM2026 push
KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Malaysia has entered into a strategic two-year collaboration with digital travel platform Agoda to position Malaysia as a top travel destination in Southeast Asia, in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. In a statement today, Tourism Malaysia said the partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC), aims to leverage Agoda's digital prowess to highlight Malaysia's diverse attractions to a global audience. It said the joint initiatives will roll out a series of targeted digital campaigns and the use of Agoda's platform and social media channels to showcase Malaysia's unique tourism offerings, from its diverse culinary delights to its scenic wonders, to the forefront of international travel. 'Embracing digitalisation, we value our partnership with Agoda, a global digital platform, to leverage its industry expertise and innovative travel promotion strategies. Together, we are confident in attracting tourists and achieving our VM2026 objectives,' said Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy. Agoda, meanwhile, will share its vast global travel insights to benefit Tourism Malaysia's policy planning and bolster existing promotional efforts, focusing on both international and domestic travellers. The collaboration also supports Tourism Malaysia's goal of attracting 45 million international visitor arrivals this year. Agoda Country Director Malaysia Fabian Teja said the partnership underscores Agoda's dedication to connecting Malaysia with travellers worldwide through their innovative technology and engaging content. 'We're excited to collaborate with Tourism Malaysia to showcase the market's unique attractions, including its lush rainforests and rich cultural heritage,' he said. The collaboration will also include joint workshops focusing on traveller behaviour and sustainable tourism practices aimed at enhancing user experience and helping travellers explore Malaysia's diverse destinations. It said the partnership not only highlights Tourism Malaysia and Agoda's commitment to making VM2026 a success but also serves as a catalyst for Malaysia's tourism industry growth. For more information on Malaysia travel offers, visit Agoda's website or download the mobile app.
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Agoda and Tourism Malaysia Join Forces to Elevate Malaysia's Global Tourism Appeal for Visit Malaysia 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda and Tourism Malaysia have entered into a strategic collaboration to position Malaysia as a top travel destination in Southeast Asia, aligning with the national campaign for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). This partnership aims to leverage Agoda's digital prowess to highlight Malaysia's diverse attractions to a global audience. Under a newly signed 2-year Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC), Agoda and Tourism Malaysia will roll out a series of targeted digital campaigns. These initiatives will offer travellers comprehensive insights into Malaysia's rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and urban experiences. By utilizing its digital platform and social media channels, Agoda will bring Malaysia's unique offerings, from its culinary delights to its scenic wonders, to the forefront of international travel. The collaboration also supports Tourism Malaysia's goal of attracting 45 million international visitor arrivals this year. Agoda will share its vast global travel insights to benefit Tourism Malaysia's policy planning and bolster existing promotional efforts, focusing on both international and domestic travellers. Fabian Teja, Country Director Malaysia at Agoda, shared, "This partnership underscores Agoda's dedication to connecting Malaysia with travellers worldwide through our innovative technology and engaging content. We're excited to collaborate with Tourism Malaysia to showcase the market's unique attractions, including its lush rainforests and rich cultural heritage." Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, added, "Embracing digitalization, we value our partnership with Agoda, a global digital platform, to leverage its industry expertise and innovative travel promotion strategies. Together, we are confident in attracting tourists and achieving our VM2026 objectives." Both parties are committed to sharing best practices and insights through joint workshops focusing on traveller behaviour and sustainable tourism development. This collaboration aims to enhance user experiences and help travellers explore Malaysia's diverse destinations. The partnership not only highlights Agoda and Tourism Malaysia's commitment to making VM2026 a success but also serves as a catalyst for Malaysia's tourism industry growth. For great value deals on Malaysia travel, visit Agoda's website or download Agoda's mobile app.
