Sepang, January 6, 2025 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all ministries to prioritize enhancing Malaysia’s tourism, investment, and economic prospects while ensuring equitable development across all states as part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
Speaking at the campaign’s launch at Hangar 6, MAB Engineering Complex on Monday (Jan 6), Anwar outlined the ambitious goals of RM147.1 billion in revenue and attracting 35.6 million tourists by 2026. He emphasized the importance of nationwide cooperation to achieve these targets.
“VM2026 represents a new approach to positioning Malaysia as a premier tourist destination and marks the beginning of efforts to genuinely drive tourism growth across the country,” said Anwar.
He urged ministries to focus on strengthening Malaysia’s tourism capabilities and fostering investment and economic growth while ensuring no region or state is left behind.
The campaign aligns with Malaysia’s preparation to chair ASEAN this year, which Anwar said presents an opportunity to showcase the country as a sustainable and culturally rich destination.
“Beyond these headline figures, our goal is clear: to promote tourism that is sustainable for our environment and communities, serving as an engine of economic growth while providing meaningful and memorable experiences to visitors,” he added.
Highlighting Malaysia’s unique offerings, Anwar described the country as a destination that champions sustainability, multicultural harmony, and environmental friendliness. He emphasized that VM2026 is consistent with the Madani framework, which seeks to balance development and nature while improving quality of life.
Also in attendance at the event were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, alongside Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The VM2026 campaign is expected to boost various sectors, including tourism, food and beverages, and related industries, contributing significantly to Malaysia’s economic growth.
