MELAKA: Tomorrow evening, all eyes will be on Klebang as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will officially launch Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), paving the way for the nation’s next major push in global tourism.
The official launch coincides with the celebrations marking World Tourism Day 2025 and the three days of the World Tourism Conference 2025, which will be taking place concurrently in Melaka and will put Malaysia on an international stage. The event will attract over 150 delegates of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to the historic city to showcase its culture, heritage and hospitality.
VM2026, embracing the themes of “Malaysia Truly Asia” and “Surreal Experiences,” will be aimed at bringing pride in the cultural diversity of the country, its natural beauty and rich heritage. Melaka, with its historical legacy and dynamic traditions, will be the event location where a series of colourful events will unfold, including an International Kite Festival and cultural performances featuring over 3,000 performers. The state will also be attempting to register with the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest zapin dance performance and the country’s first-ever konda kondi competition.
Tourism is not solely the main attraction, as the Melaka Entrepreneurs’ Carnival 2025 will showcase more than 60 local businesses, with a transaction goal of RM10 million through networking and business matching sessions.
At the same time, the Historical Maritime exhibition will recount the story of Enrique de Malacca, the first Asian believed to have circumnavigated the globe with Ferdinand Magellan in the 16th century. This exhibition will include very rare documents, including Magellan’s will from 1519 and the Maluku Fleet Register.
The opening night will be an amazing spectacle with Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and Misha Omar performing, concluding with a fantastic light show of 1,000 drones adorning the skies of Klebang. To alleviate traffic flow, free shuttles will be offered from various main parking lots, and over 600 police officers will be present to maintain safety and order.
The consensus is 16.5 million tourists and an estimated RM23.48 billion this year, and the combined VM2026, WTD 2025 and WTC 2025 are expected to provide a turbocharged shot in the arm to Melaka’s tourism industry and fortify Malaysia’s status as one of the world’s must-see destinations – Bernama
