
SEPANG: The Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign was launched today, complete with a new logo, mascots, theme song, and aircraft livery.
Officiated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Hangar 6 of the MAB engineering complex, the launch was also attended by deputy prime ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof; tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing; as well as Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari, among others.
“We aim to welcome 35.6 million (international) tourists by 2026, an ambitious but very pragmatic and realistic plan.
“If we achieve this, we will be able to generate an expected revenue of RM147.1 billion,” Anwar said in his keynote speech.
Besides the new theme song, “Surreal Experiences”, the Malayan sun bear was presented as the campaign’s official icon, in respect of its status as an endangered species and symbol of Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
The animal is represented by two mascots, Wira and Manja, representing inclusivity and diversity.
In a statement, Tourism Malaysia said VM2026 aimed to increase tourism revenue, strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism competitiveness, and ultimately position the sector as one of the largest contributors to the country’s GDP.
“With Malaysia’s strong potential as a world-class tourist destination, VM2026 is set to not only boost tourism but also create jobs and enhance the country’s global image, fostering growth in sectors beyond tourism,” said the agency.
The launch saw the exchange of memorandums of collaboration with key strategic partners, including Malaysia Aviation Group, AirAsia, Batik Air, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Huawei, Mastercard, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International.
Tourism Malaysia said the VM2026 campaign would include the Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 on Feb 8 at the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, an event expected to attract over 20,000 participants.
Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/01/06/visit-malaysia-2026-campaign-kicks-off/