Yesterday marked a momentous occasion as Malaysia officially launched the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. The spectacular event, held at Hangar 6, MAB Engineering Complex, was graced by the presence of Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who unveiled the campaign’s logo, mascot, theme song, and aircraft livery.

The VM2026 logo, representing Malaysia’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and global appeal, serves as a beacon for the country’s readiness to welcome tourists from around the world. For the first time, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and AirAsia will proudly display this logo on their aircrafts, symbolizing a united effort to promote tourism and create excitement for the transformative year ahead.

The event also introduced the official VM2026 theme song, Surreal Experiences, capturing the essence of Malaysia’s unique offerings. This song will play a pivotal role in the campaign, drawing global attention and engaging visitors with the enchanting experiences the country has to offer.

In a heartwarming move, the Malayan Sun Bear, a symbol of Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation, was adopted as the official mascot for the campaign. Designed in an animated style, this lovable bear is set to appeal to all ages, enhancing Malaysia’s image as a welcoming destination for tourists.

The launch event saw the presence of key representatives from various ministries, underscoring the national importance of the VM2026 campaign. As part of Malaysia’s broader National Agenda, VM2026 aims to boost tourism revenue, enhance global competitiveness, and position tourism as a major contributor to the country’s GDP. With the potential to drive growth across multiple sectors including hospitality, transport, retail, and food, VM2026 is poised to create jobs and foster prosperity for local communities.

Key strategic partners, including Malaysia Aviation Group, AirAsia, Batik Air, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Huawei, Mastercard, Shangri-La Hotels, and more, also signed Memoranda of Collaboration (MoC) to strengthen connectivity, expand marketing efforts, and offer exceptional visitor experiences.

In preparation for VM2026, the Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR) 2025 will take place on 8 February 2025 at the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. This unique event, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, aims to celebrate Malaysia’s heritage while promoting a healthy lifestyle, expecting over 20,000 participants.

With the ambitious goal of welcoming 35.6 million international visitors and generating RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts, the VM2026 campaign promises to be a significant milestone in Malaysia’s tourism journey.

Credit: Tourism Malaysia