Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced in Parliament today that Malaysia saw an 11.2% increase in tourist arrivals in 2025, reaching a total of 42.2 million visitors. This strong performance provides a solid foundation for the upcoming "Visit Malaysia 2026" (VM2026) campaign. The government is now moving to boost inter-agency coordination to ensure that the country can handle the even larger crowds expected next year.

The surge in visitors is largely attributed to the successful visa-free entry policies for major markets like China and India, as well as the Ringgit's competitive exchange rate. Zahid noted that the tourism sector contributed significantly to the national GDP last year, helping to offset the slow growth in other areas. To sustain this momentum, the government plans to upgrade major tourist hubs, including the CIQ complexes and Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is preparing to launch a global marketing blitz. New niche tourism products, such as sustainable "eco-tourism" in Sabah and Sarawak and culinary tours in Penang, will be at the forefront of the campaign. The goal is not just to attract more people, but to encourage them to stay longer and spend more, further revitalizing the local hospitality and retail industries.