SEPANG, March 23 — The target for tourist arrivals in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) remains on track despite global uncertainties, particularly the conflict in West Asia, which could affect transit routes and the movement of international travellers.
The Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry’s (MOTAC) deputy secretary-general (Tourism) Chua Choon Hwa said that the tourist arrival performance as of February showed encouraging progress, with the number of arrivals increasing by more than 30 per cent, compared with the same period last year, giving confidence that the VM2026 target remains realistic to achieve.
Data for March is still being compiled before a new projection is made on the country’s achievement of tourism targets.
“Up to February, during the Chinese New Year period, we recorded high inbound arrivals, exceeding the previous percentage by at least 30 per cent,” he told the media after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 today.
MOTAC hopes the positive momentum can be maintained throughout the Aidilfitri festive season by organising Aidilfitri celebrations at nine major airports nationwide, including KLIA Terminal 2, Penang, Johor, Kedah, Perak, Sabah, and Sarawak.
Chua said global uncertainty is not only a challenge but also has the potential to create new opportunities for Malaysia to attract tourists who have postponed long-distance travel.
Changes in global tourist behaviour, with travellers tending to choose nearer and more stable destinations, could benefit Malaysia, particularly in efforts to achieve the VM2026 target.
“Sometimes, when distant destinations are unstable, tourists will look for closer options. This could be an opportunity for Malaysia if the strategies implemented are appropriate,” he said.
As such, tourism strategies will be coordinated, including measures to address transit disruptions.
One of the main challenges currently being assessed is the disruption to flight transit routes in the Middle East, which previously served as an important route for long-haul travellers heading to Asia.
Chua added that the government is studying alternative transit routes and strengthening its focus on Asian markets, which are less affected by the current conflict, to ensure that the flow of tourists to Malaysia remains stable.
“Transit in the Middle East is currently somewhat disrupted, so we are looking at ways to overcome the situation, including using certain transit airports to avoid affected areas,” he said.
Any adjustment to the strategy will be made based on data, to ensure that the VM2026 target remains relevant and achievable.
“Although we see certain disruptions, we are still going all out, not only to ensure that the set target can be achieved, but also striving for better performance if conditions allow,” Chua said.
The government had previously set targets of 47 million international tourist arrivals and RM329 billion in revenue in conjunction with VM2026.
At the event, arriving travellers were welcomed with festive souvenirs at the arrival hall, and invited to enjoy traditional Aidilfitri delicacies, reflecting the nation’s cultural heritage and the warm hospitality of Malaysia Truly Asia.
Also present were Tourism Malaysia director-general Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim and Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Promotion II) Lee Thai Hung.
