Malaysia Ramps Up VM2026 Promotion With International-Level Collaboration

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia is set to expand the country's tourism promotion through collaboration with 210 influencers from strategic markets, such as China, Japan and Russia, who have accumulated over 800 million followers.

This initiative aims to strengthen the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, thus increasing Malaysia's visibility as a premier world tourism destination.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the move aligns with the ministry's strategy to expand its promotional reach through global digital platforms.

"Tourism Malaysia also entered into strategic collaborations with private agencies and social media platforms like TikTok, Weibo, Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) and YouTube, including prominent influencers, to expand the reach of the country's tourism promotion,” he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the Royal Address for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat today.

In addition, Tiong said Tourism Malaysia is studying proposals to collaborate with streaming and telecommunication companies to produce creative and high-impact content in conjunction with VM2026, which are expected to give added value to the country's tourism promotions.

Tiong also reiterated the ministry's commitment to promoting tourism in all states, including Sabah and Sarawak, and urged state tourism bodies to be more proactive in developing new products and packages to attract foreign tourists.

On the issue of tourist safety, particularly in Kudat, Sabah, Tiong said his ministry had explained to international tourism industry players about the current situation, while intensifying promotions by stressing that the area is a safe and exciting destination.

"As such, the continued collaboration with the Foreign Ministry is crucial for discussions with countries that have issued travel advisory notices to ensure Malaysia continue to be the top pick among international tourists,” he said.

-- BERNAMA