PETALING JAYA, Sept 9- Tourism industry leaders have urged the government to step up infrastructure readiness and allocate greater resources ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, which is set to begin in four months.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Nigel Wong said airports must be in optimal condition as they represent the first impression for visitors.
“Airports are the first point of entry. Everything from traffic flow, baggage handling, to aerotrain services must run smoothly. Facilities for group arrivals, such as designated pick-up zones for buses, taxis and e-hailing services, should also be improved to provide seamless journeys,” he said.
Wong also stressed the need for stronger coordination between government agencies, local councils and industry stakeholders to ensure the long-term success of the campaign. He said targeted promotions and strict enforcement against unlicensed operators were necessary to protect tourists from scams.
In Budget 2026, Wong proposed higher allocations to support government initiatives and industry players, including enhancements to programmes such as Galakan Melancong Malaysia (Gamelan).
“The application process for funds must be simplified and expedited. Incentives should also be introduced for agencies bringing in inbound tourists and promoting domestic travel,” he added.
Your Inbound Matters founder Uzaidi Udanis echoed similar concerns, emphasising that Malaysia should emulate Singapore’s efficiency in airport management.
“Airports are the first sales funnel of tourism. Any issues with immigration, baggage or aerotrain services leave a negative impression,” he said.
He added that tourism operators should adopt digitalisation to make their products bookable online and marketable directly to international consumers. Uzaidi also proposed incentives for the creation of new tourism products, including culinary-based experiences.
Meanwhile, Melaka Tourism Association president Madelina WL Kuah said training programmes should be introduced for e-hailing drivers and accommodation providers to improve service standards.
“Simple measures such as providing official badges, safety training and etiquette courses can help create a welcoming first impression. Promotional efforts also need a stronger impact and closer collaboration with non-governmental tourism associations,” she said.
Kuah also called for more incentives to encourage participation of industry players in tourism think-tank committees, saying such collaboration would help identify gaps and bring fresh ideas to strengthen VM2026.
