Latest news with #VisitJohorYear2026
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
State govt projects RM42.48b revenue for Visit Johor Year 2026
ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 21 — The Johor state government is targeting RM42.48 billion in tourism revenue in conjunction with the upcoming Visit Johor Year 2026, said Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He said the figure was calculated based on an average per capita tourist expenditure of RM3,500. Onn Hafiz expressed optimism that the target could be achieved if 12 million domestic and international tourists visit the state. 'To make the celebration a success, various tourism upgrade projects have been undertaken, with an allocation of RM116.35 million for this year and last year,' he said during a question-and-answer session at the Johor state legislative assembly in Kota Iskandar today. Onn Hafiz, who is also the Machap assemblyman, was responding to a question from Norlizah Noh (BN-Johor Lama) regarding the state government's preparations for Visit Johor Year 2026. The upgrade projects in Johor include the second phase of Johor Zoo, upgrades to Gunung Ledang, Tanjung Piai National Park, Royal Botanical Gardens, Abu Bakar Royal Museum, Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex, and the Heroes Museum. He said the success of Visit Johor Year 2026 would also bring benefits to Johoreans. 'Although these upgrades are to welcome international tourists, locals will benefit as ticket prices for them are cheaper than those for foreign visitors. 'For example, at Johor Zoo, the ticket price for foreign tourists is RM30, while locals pay RM10. The various upgrades will also boost the downstream economy involving the local community. 'We are also planning to organise several international-class events, including the Johor Bangsa Carnival, International Museum Day, and the Johor Global Symposium. 'Sports-themed events such as the Iron Man programme, the Viper Challenge, triathlon, and Dragon Boat Regatta are also planned. 'The involvement of popular sports icons like Sonny Bill Williams and Datuk Lee Chong Wei will help ensure the success of these programmes,' said Onn Hafiz. The menteri besar also addressed criticism from some quarters claiming there was nothing interesting in Johor. 'In fact, there are many activities here besides shopping malls and food and beverage offerings,' he said, adding that Johor has yet to realise its true potential.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor must get its tourism sector in order before 2026
JOHOR BARU: With under six months to Visit Johor 2026, Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong warned the state must reform its tourism sector or risk wasting a major opportunity. Leong welcomed the Johor government's Majestic Johor campaign but said slogans must be matched by real reforms. "Johor has the potential to become the most vibrant and sustainable state in Malaysia," Leong said. "But let's be clear, we cannot do this alone. Private and public sectors must work together to create experiences, not just sell products." Leong urged Johor to move away from outdated models and tackle problems hurting legal tourism, especially illegal operators. "Licensed tourist guides are begging for action. Illegal Airbnb operations and multipurpose vehicles ferrying tourists without proper papers are running unchecked," he said. "These rogue entities are robbing the industry while the government looks away." He questioned how licensed guides can survive when undercut by unregulated operators and proposed making it mandatory for all foreign tourist groups in Johor to use licensed guides. "Tourism's success isn't measured in brochures printed, but in jobs created. If we want to raise standards, we must first treat legal tourism partners with dignity," he said, warning that morale within the industry is wearing dangerously thin. On the broader strategy, Leong said that post-pandemic traveller behaviour has shifted dramatically, with most tourists now planning and booking trips entirely online. "Visitors are not stepping into travel agencies anymore. Flights, rooms, tours are all booked online…everything's digital. "If we want Visit Johor 2026 to succeed, our strategies must be relevant to the times," he added. Despite the challenges, Leong remained optimistic. He said Johor's proximity to Singapore is an advantage. "With the right policies and better enforcement, Johor could be transformed into a garden city known for its space, hospitality and rich cultural experiences. Meanwhile, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, unveiled an ambitious tourism overhaul under the newly corporatised Majestic Johor Tourism (MJT) Sdn Bhd. Johor aims to draw 12 million visitors in conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026. The strategy, announced during the recent state assembly, signalled a shift from reactive to proactive tourism management, blending upgraded infrastructure with world-class digital marketing and global partnerships. "Johor is blessed with stunning beaches, lush rainforests and rich cultural heritage, but we must be honest in acknowledging that our tourism offerings have not yet reached their full potential," Onn Hafiz said. "We have listened to feedback, especially on social media, and are using it as a catalyst to elevate our standards." Onn Hafiz said MJT will lead the charge with a corporate structure, tapping tourism professionals to steer Johor's branding, promotional campaigns and international event collaborations. This, he said, would bring professionalism, agility, and global sensibility to Johor's tourism engine. "We are not simply launching another campaign," he said. "We are laying the foundation for tourism to become a sustainable economic driver that will improve the lives of Johoreans and puts the state on the global map." Criticism, he added, had played a constructive role. "Rather than take offence, we take ownership. The feedback has galvanised our efforts to rethink, rebuild and relaunch," he said.
Barnama
21-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Johor Targets RM42 Bln In Tourism Revenue For Visit Johor Year 2026
ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 21 (Bernama) -- The Johor government aims to generate RM42 billion in revenue from the tourism sector, both direct and indirect, as part of its efforts for Visit Johor Year 2026. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said this target was based on the projected arrival of 12 million tourists over the year. 'According to official data from Tourism Malaysia, the average per capita spending for tourists is RM3,500,' he said during a session at the Johor State Legislative Assembly in Kota Iskandar today.
Malay Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
State govt projects RM42.48b revenue for Visit Johor Year 2026
ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 21 — The Johor state government is targeting RM42.48 billion in tourism revenue in conjunction with the upcoming Visit Johor Year 2026, said Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He said the figure was calculated based on an average per capita tourist expenditure of RM3,500. Onn Hafiz expressed optimism that the target could be achieved if 12 million domestic and international tourists visit the state. 'To make the celebration a success, various tourism upgrade projects have been undertaken, with an allocation of RM116.35 million for this year and last year,' he said during a question-and-answer session at the Johor state legislative assembly in Kota Iskandar today. Onn Hafiz, who is also the Machap assemblyman, was responding to a question from Norlizah Noh (BN-Johor Lama) regarding the state government's preparations for Visit Johor Year 2026. The upgrade projects in Johor include the second phase of Johor Zoo, upgrades to Gunung Ledang, Tanjung Piai National Park, Royal Botanical Gardens, Abu Bakar Royal Museum, Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex, and the Heroes Museum. He said the success of Visit Johor Year 2026 would also bring benefits to Johoreans. 'Although these upgrades are to welcome international tourists, locals will benefit as ticket prices for them are cheaper than those for foreign visitors. 'For example, at Johor Zoo, the ticket price for foreign tourists is RM30, while locals pay RM10. The various upgrades will also boost the downstream economy involving the local community. 'We are also planning to organise several international-class events, including the Johor Bangsa Carnival, International Museum Day, and the Johor Global Symposium. 'Sports-themed events such as the Iron Man programme, the Viper Challenge, triathlon, and Dragon Boat Regatta are also planned. 'The involvement of popular sports icons like Sonny Bill Williams and Datuk Lee Chong Wei will help ensure the success of these programmes,' said Onn Hafiz. The menteri besar also addressed criticism from some quarters claiming there was nothing interesting in Johor. 'In fact, there are many activities here besides shopping malls and food and beverage offerings,' he said, adding that Johor has yet to realise its true potential.
Malay Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Johor govt projects RM42.48 billion revenue for Visit Johor Year 2026
ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 21 — The Johor state government is targeting RM42.48 billion in tourism revenue in conjunction with the upcoming Visit Johor Year 2026, said Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He said the figure was calculated based on an average per capita tourist expenditure of RM3,500. Onn Hafiz expressed optimism that the target could be achieved if 12 million domestic and international tourists visit the state. 'To make the celebration a success, various tourism upgrade projects have been undertaken, with an allocation of RM116.35 million for this year and last year,' he said during a question-and-answer session at the Johor state legislative assembly in Kota Iskandar today. Onn Hafiz, who is also the Machap assemblyman, was responding to a question from Norlizah Noh (BN-Johor Lama) regarding the state government's preparations for Visit Johor Year 2026. The upgrade projects in Johor include the second phase of Johor Zoo, upgrades to Gunung Ledang, Tanjung Piai National Park, Royal Botanical Gardens, Abu Bakar Royal Museum, Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex, and the Heroes Museum. He said the success of Visit Johor Year 2026 would also bring benefits to Johoreans. 'Although these upgrades are to welcome international tourists, locals will benefit as ticket prices for them are cheaper than those for foreign visitors. 'For example, at Johor Zoo, the ticket price for foreign tourists is RM30, while locals pay RM10. The various upgrades will also boost the downstream economy involving the local community. 'We are also planning to organise several international-class events, including the Johor Bangsa Carnival, International Museum Day, and the Johor Global Symposium. 'Sports-themed events such as the Iron Man programme, the Viper Challenge, triathlon, and Dragon Boat Regatta are also planned. 'The involvement of popular sports icons like Sonny Bill Williams and Datuk Lee Chong Wei will help ensure the success of these programmes,' said Onn Hafiz. The menteri besar also addressed criticism from some quarters claiming there was nothing interesting in Johor. 'In fact, there are many activities here besides shopping malls and food and beverage offerings,' he said, adding that Johor has yet to realise its true potential.
