PENANG: The arrival of the New Year has brought welcome celebrations for international visitors at key transportation hubs in Malaysia as part of Tourism Malaysia’s launch of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). On New Year’s Day, a national celebration took place simultaneously from 55 major entrances and strategic sites across the 13 states of Malaysia, thereby exemplifying a dedicated start to the country’s major tourism campaign. KLIA was one of the sites of this incredible landing, where Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, participated in the welcome event for incoming tourists.
The minister stated that VM2026 is more than just a typical tourism marketing campaign; rather, it is a comprehensive campaign of goodwill that represents the unity, hospitality and diversity of Malaysia.
Welcoming tourists at the start of the new year is an expression of Malaysia’s commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable tourism experience for visitors in 2026.
As part of a nationwide arrival celebration, Penang hosted welcome ceremonies at all three points of entry, namely, the airport, seaport, and land. At the Penang International Airport and the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, the welcome ceremonies received dignitary attendance, including the Deputy Chairperson of Tourism Malaysia, Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, along with the President of the Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association, Datuk Dr Angie Ng Wai Sam, and the Chief Executive Officer of Penang Global Tourism, Ooi Chok Yan. Members of the Malaysian Association of Hotels and the Penang tour guide association also attended.
The welcoming ceremony for land arrivals was conducted at the KTMB Butterworth Station; several state assemblymen represented the ceremony, along with officials from KTM Bhd, members of the tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, and Kraftangan Malaysia Pulau Pinang.
The coordinated arrival celebrations held across many locations in Malaysia were made possible through collaborative efforts involving a partnership between Tourism Malaysia, the State Governments, the Airlines, the Airport Authorities, and all Major Stakeholders within the tourism industry. Corporate sponsors donated everything from logistical support, venue preparation, and sponsorships to vouchers, food and beverage products, souvenirs, and attraction vouchers that travellers received upon arriving in Malaysia.
To create a festive atmosphere, early arrivals at selected locations were welcomed with cultural performances, street buskers and contemporary showcases infused with heritage elements. The campaign’s official mascots, Wira and Manja, also made appearances, while travellers received VM2026-themed souvenirs, including exclusive mascot keychains, as a warm introduction to Malaysia.
As part of the VM2026 campaign, Malaysia will host more than 300 events throughout the year, showcasing the nation’s multicultural identity, artistic heritage and festive traditions.
Among the highlights are themed festivals tied to major celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Aidilfitri, Deepavali and Christmas, alongside iconic cultural events including Tadau Ka’amatan and the Gawai Dayak Festival.
Malaysia aims to attract 43 million international visitors in 2026, building on the strong tourism momentum that saw international arrivals reach 38.3 million from January to November 2025. Guided by its theme song, Surreal Experiences, the VM2026 campaign promises a year-long calendar of festivals, cultural showcases, exhibitions and community celebrations designed to captivate travellers from around the world.
Tourism Malaysia said the campaign is expected to boost visitor arrivals, generate employment and deliver wide-ranging economic benefits, while strengthening Malaysia’s position as a world-class travel destination and deepening cultural appreciation across communities nationwide.
