Tourism Malaysia, KL Hop-On Hop-Off Launch Domestic Tourism Campaign For VM2026

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia and KL Hop-On Hop-Off operator Elang Wah Sdn Bhd today launched a domestic tourism campaign using the iconic sightseeing buses to stimulate local travel ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said domestic tourism remains a vital pillar of the nation's tourism industry, contributing significantly to local economic growth, job creation and community development.

"Initiatives such as this collaboration with KL Hop-On Hop-Off not only encourage Malaysians to rediscover the attractions and unique offerings available within our own cities but also strengthen industry participation and enrich the quality of tourism products and services showcased under Visit Malaysia 2026," he said at the campaign launch here today.

Under the initiative, six KL Hop-On Hop-Off buses will feature specially designed wraps highlighting major tourism destinations across 15 states and federal territories, including the Sri Sendayan Mosque in Negeri Sembilan and the Pinnacles of Mulu in Sarawak.

The bus wraps also incorporate interactive QR codes that direct passengers and onlookers to VM2026 travel deals, the official Calendar of Events (COE) and state tourism promotional websites.

The campaign comes on the back of a strong performance in the domestic tourism sector, which recorded a 21.3 per cent increase in 2025, attracting 290.1 million visitors compared with 260.1 million in 2024.

Total domestic tourism expenditure also rose by 13.3 per cent to RM121.0 billion last year from RM106.7 billion in 2024.

-- BERNAMA