The successful Visit Malaysia campaign has been extended by another year to the end of 2027, with Australians contributing to that success, recording the fourth highest number of visitors to the nation behind those from China, Indonesia and Japan.
The number of Australians visiting our near neighbour grew 22 per cent compared to the same period last year.
The news was celebrated at Tourism Malaysia networking session yesterday held at Malaysian specialty restaurant, Nanyang Kopi, in Liverpool St, Sydney, and hosted by Tourism Malaysia Sydney.
Malaysia announced last year that it was rolling out the red carpet for the world with Visit Malaysia 2026, a celebration that will be more than just a tourism campaign.
The activation offered a vibrant showcase of a dynamic, multicultural nation transformed from its colonial past into one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting travel destinations.
Backed by a strong lead-in campaign in 2025 and supported by trade, including Travel Weekly, Visit Malaysia 2026 positioned itself to elevate the country as a must-visit global destination.
With a full calendar of international concerts, cultural festivals, business events, nature-based adventures, and gastronomic experiences, the campaign continues in its aim to convert excursionists into longer-stay tourists, offering new and diversified travel packages tailored for every kind of traveller.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the decision to extend would strengthening promotional strategies, showcasing the country as a safe, stable and competitive destination, as well as seizing opportunities from changing tourist travel patterns.
“This effort aims to strengthen strategic cooperation, attract more visitors, increase the length of stay and tourist spending, and highlight Malaysia as a safe, stable and competitive (holiday) destination,” he said.
