ASEAN 2025: Best Platform To Promote Visit Malaysia Year, Tourism Minister Says
PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), Dec 13 (Bernama) -- ASEAN 2025 provides the best platform to ensure the successful implementation of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, said Malaysia's Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing.
He explained that as the ASEAN 2025 Chairman, Malaysia will have the opportunity to showcase its harmony, cultural diversity, and culinary offerings to ASEAN member countries.
"ASEAN 2025 provides us the opportunity to highlight Malaysia's harmony, destinations, and diverse cuisine so that the ASEAN community can help promote Malaysia in their respective countries,” he said during a recent press conference.
On Oct 11, Malaysia officially assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, taking over from Laos. The theme for ASEAN 2025 is "Inclusion and Sustainability.
Tiong said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) is actively preparing to enhance the promotion of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, including upgrading infrastructure nationwide to improve the overall experience for visitors
"Wherever we can assist in upgrading infrastructure, we will certainly do so. The most important thing is for all states to collaborate in improving infrastructure. We are also in discussions with the Ministry of Economy regarding additional allocation to support these upgrades nationwide," he said.
Malaysia aims to generate over RM147 billion (US$33 billion) in revenue from an anticipated 35.6 million tourist arrivals during Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
According to Tiong, Malaysia recorded 34.2 million arrivals, comprising 22.5 million tourists and 11.7 million visitors between January and November this year.
When asked how Malaysia compares to neighbouring countries like Thailand and Indonesia in terms of tourist appeal, he emphasised the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders, including local authorities, to upgrade tourist locations to make them more attractive.
"In Thailand, particularly Bangkok, they demonstrate a tourist-friendly environment where visitors feel welcomed and safe. Thailand is also proactive in upgrading its offerings, such as creating vibrant food streets and illuminating the streets to attract tourists," he said.
Thus, Tiong said efforts to renovate locations in Malaysia need to be stepped up with the involvement of all parties, including local authorities, to make Visit Malaysia Year 2026 a success.
He cited Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur, where several new shops have opened, as an example of the kind of transformation needed.
-- BERNAMA
