TOKYO: Japan recorded a new high in tourist arrivals in 2025 despite a sharp decline in visitors from China following diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, officials said. According to the transport ministry, Japan welcomed 42.7 million tourists last year, surpassing the previous record of nearly 37 million in 2024, as the weak yen continued…
BATU KAWAN: Penang’s tourism sector is expected to sustain its upward momentum this year, with more than eight million tourists projected to arrive through Penang International Airport. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the positive outlook is driven largely by the introduction of new international flight routes, particularly direct services…
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…
KUCHING: A recently discovered 60-metre waterfall situated deep inside the mountain forests of Kampung Tarat Mawang, Serian, is expected to be the next big tourism attraction for the district. Serian District Council (MDS) chairman Dato Peter Minos said during a recent visit to the site with the village chiefs and villagers, they found this beautiful,…
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) has asked local councils for increased assistance to beautify popular tourist locations in the capital in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. Motac Secretary-General Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said the department wants local councils to ensure that Kuala Lumpur remains clean, fun…
GEORGE TOWN: Batik Air will expand its operations in Penang with two new direct international routes from Medan and Singapore starting December 8, 2025, further strengthening Penang’s position as a key aviation hub in northern Malaysia. The announcement followed a meeting between Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE) Wong Hon Wai…
BEIJING: China’s tourism sector is reaching new heights, following an increase in international arrivals since the country’s expansion of its visa exemption policy. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) stated that the country received 7.25 million foreign visitors in the third quarter of 2025, an increase of 48.3% of visa-exempt arrivals year over year. The policy…
Aviation centre HANOI: The province of Bắc Ninh is preparing to establish itself as Vietnam’s next big aviation centre with the major expansion of Gia Bình International Airport to increase total passenger and cargo handling capacity by 2050. Minister of Construction Trần Hồng Minh has approved modifications to the airport’s master plan for 2021-30, providing…
KULIM: A new online portal, VisitKulim.my, has been launched to promote the district’s industrial, tourism and community potential. The portal was officially launched on Oct 11 in conjunction with the Kulim Festival and National Sports Day 2025 at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park Sports Complex. The event was officiated by YBhg. En. Habib Ahmad Muhaiyuddin, the…
GEORGE TOWN, Oct 7- Tourism industry stakeholders are urging the Federal Government to increase allocations for Penang under Budget 2026, saying a larger share would enable the state to enhance its tourism promotion and maintain its position as one of Malaysia’s leading destinations ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang…
