KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor’s comprehensive rural tourism blueprint is poised to become a national benchmark, offering a model for other states as Malaysia intensifies preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
Industry observers say the state’s approach goes beyond economic stimulation by striking a balance between rapid urban development and the preservation of local heritage, while ensuring rural communities remain central to tourism growth.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Associate Professor Dr Mohd Raziff Jamaluddin said Selangor’s emphasis on community empowerment and improvements to the tourism ecosystem had positioned the state strongly within regional tourism frameworks.
Dr Mohd Raziff, who heads Corporate Communication and Event Management at the UiTM Institute of Business Excellence, said rural tourism holds significant potential for sustainable long-term economic growth while improving the quality of life of local communities.
“In the context of Asean Tourism Standards, Selangor has demonstrated commendable performance in terms of connectivity, visitor facilities, safety and consistency of the tourism experience,” he said.
He added that Selangor’s ability to offer a wide range of tourism products within a compact geographical area made it a time- and cost-efficient destination, particularly for international visitors with limited travel duration.
According to him, high levels of visitor satisfaction in hospitality and accessibility across the state further reflected Selangor’s strong overall tourism performance.
Sharing a similar view, Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel said the state’s focus on rural tourism was a strategic move to develop a sustainable tourism value chain.
He said the initiative strengthened Selangor’s branding by positioning the state as a destination that seamlessly blends urban modernity with rural charm, an approach that could help extend tourist stays and increase local spending.
Dr Sri Ganesh said MTF fully supported the Selangor government’s efforts to empower rural tourism through close collaboration among government agencies, hotels, travel operators and local communities.
Meanwhile, Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling previously said the state would sustain the momentum generated by the Visit Selangor Year 2025 campaign into 2026.
Among the key initiatives is the Desa Kirana Complete Package in Sekinchan, which was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Dec 20.
The programme, spearheaded by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, aims to ensure tourism-generated economic benefits reach the grassroots level, while promoting local arts, culture and gastronomy as core attractions.
“Desa Kirana” showcases the distinct identity of rural villages through authentic experiences that highlight cultural heritage, natural landscapes and traditional cuisine.
