Malaysia aims to welcome 35.6 million international visitors and generate more than US$36 billion (RM147.1 billion) in tourism receipts as announced at the official launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) which marks a significant chapter in Malaysia’s tourism journey.
VM2026 will feature a series of events, promotions, and developments that celebrate Malaysia’s culture, heritage, and tourism offerings. The initiative is set to strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism competitiveness and make tourism a key contributor to the national economy.
The VM2026 logo, is a symbol of Malaysia’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and global appeal, serves as a visual reminder of the country’s readiness to welcome tourists worldwide. VM2026 aims to increase tourism revenue, strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism competitiveness, and ultimately position the sector as one of the largest contributors to the country’s GDP.
With Malaysia’s strong potential as a world-class tourist destination, VM2026 is set to not only boost tourism but also create jobs and enhance the country’s global image and bringing prosperity to communities, enriching local cultures, and fostering growth in sectors beyond tourism – including hospitality, transport, retail, and food industries.
Special aircraft livery and mascot
The VM2026 logo was creatively unveiled on the aircraft of Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and AirAsia. This marks the first time that these airlines will proudly display the logo as part of their aircraft designs, symbolising a united front in promoting tourism and generating excitement for the transformative year ahead.
Malaysia Airlines’ Visit Malaysia 2026 Livery Video:
The Malaysia Airlines aircraft features illustrations of the Petronas Twin Towers, Mount Kinabalu, the Merdeka 118 tower, and The Exchange 106. An AirAsia plane features the Malayan sun bear, the hornbill and the Malayan tiger along with the tag line “Discover Malaysia’s Wildlife Wonders”, whilst a Batik Air aircraft displays the Visit Malaysia Year logo along with the Malayan sun bear.
The Malayan Sun Bear, a proud endangered species and a symbol of Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation, has been adopted as the official icon for the campaign. Designed in a lovable, animated style, the Malayan Sun Bear aims to appeal to all ages, evoking a sense of warmth and joy, and further enhancing Malaysia’s image as a welcoming destination for tourists.
The event also premiered the official VM2026 theme song, titled Surreal Experiences which captures the essence of Malaysia’s unique offerings. This song will be a key component of the campaign to attract global attention and engage visitors with the enchanting experiences Malaysia has to offer.
As part of the build-up to VM2026, the Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR) 2025 will be held on 8 February 2025 at the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. This unique cultural and fitness event is expected to attract over 20,000 participants.
Main photo credit: Bernama News Agency
