Visit Malaysia 2026 extended through 2027 amid Hormuz, haze disruptions
KUALA LUMPUR: The government, through the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac), has taken proactive steps to extend the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign until the end of 2027.
The Malaysian government has extended the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign until the end of 2027, in response to disruptions in the global tourism market caused by ongoing issues in the Strait of Hormuz and the haze season affecting outdoor tourism activities. Tourism Malaysia director-general Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim announced that the campaign's target of 47 million international visitor arrivals by the end of 2026 will be maintained despite the challenges.
The government has allocated more than RM700 million under Budget 2026 for promotional efforts, with the budget for 2027 to be adjusted accordingly. The extension aims to address the impact of the haze season, which has placed short-term pressure on outdoor tourism like ecotourism and beach activities. To mitigate this, Tourism Malaysia is promoting indoor tourism products, such as gastronomy-based initiatives, indoor theme parks, and wellness packages.
The strategy includes encouraging visitors to explore indoor cultural destinations like the National Museum and Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Domestic tourism statistics show a 11.5 per cent increase in 2025 compared to 2024, with 290.1 million visitors, further supporting the resilience of the tourism sector in the face of environmental challenges.
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