ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor is in the final stretch of preparations for Visit Johor Year 2026 (VJY2026), with nearly 90% of its tourism infrastructure and products already in place as the state looks to welcome 12 million visitors.
Tourism Johor director Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim said efforts were being intensified through large-scale promotions targeting key gateways such as airports, ferry terminals, land borders, highways and rest areas.
The campaign is also riding on social media buzz, mainstream publicity and collaborations with influencers and local celebrities to highlight the state’s attractions.
“After almost 13 years since the last Visit Johor Year, which was postponed from 2020 because of the pandemic, now is the right time to revive the campaign,” he said during the launch of the VJY2026 sticker initiative at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium yesterday.
Among the highlights awaiting visitors are a new night experience at the upgraded Johor Zoo and the reopening of eco-tourism gems such as the Gunung Ledang Waterfall. Nazrul described the launch as the beginning of an “inclusive and impactful” push to elevate Johor as one of Malaysia’s must-visit destinations.
The sticker drive, carried out in collaboration with the Johor Tourism Association, will see more than 10,000 VJY2026 decals displayed on public transport and vehicles, including tour buses, trishaws, motorcycles, cars, caravans and e-hailing rides.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi had earlier projected that VJY2026 could generate up to RM42 billion in direct and indirect revenue for the state, in line with the anticipated surge in tourist arrivals.
