A selection of bitesize news stories currently making the headlines in Malaysia:
Festive welcome sets the tone for Visit Malaysia 2026
Travellers disembarking at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) received a warm and unexpected welcome on 17 February, complete with complimentary gift bags and an energetic lion dance performance to mark the occasion. The Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign welcoming committee, headed by Datuk Jafry Ariffin the Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment, showcased the Chinese New Year atmosphere with a series of festive engagements for both domestic and international visitors.
(source: Nabalu News)
Tourism Malaysia strengthens India market to drive VM2026 arrivals
Malaysia has set an ambitious target of 21 lakh tourist arrivals from India in 2026. To achieve this goal, Tourism Malaysia has rolled out a series of strategic initiatives at the start of 2026, underscoring the importance of the Indian outbound market as the country builds strong momentum towards Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
(source: Travel Trade Journal)
Malaysia Airports positions retail as key tourism driver through ‘ShopLAH’ initiative
As Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) preparations continue, Malaysia Airports has positioned its ‘ShopLAH’ campaign as part of efforts to drive tourism spending and enhance the visitor experience across its international airport network. Described as an always-on airport retail experience initiative, ShopLAH integrates shopping, dining and cultural storytelling into the passenger journey. The campaign seeks to reinforce airports as contributors to Malaysia’s tourism economy by encouraging higher passenger spend while promoting Malaysian brands and identity at key entry points.
(source: Marketech APAC)
Thailand and Malaysia pioneering new era of tourism recovery
Thailand and Malaysia are standing at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s tourism recovery in 2026, joining China, South Korea and India in a collective effort to revive the region’s travel sector. Despite a 7.59% decline in foreign arrivals during the first six weeks of the year, both countries remain confident in achieving their ambitious target of 35 million visitors by the end of 2026. Strategic marketing, new tourism offerings, and strengthened partnerships are fuelling optimism for a strong recovery throughout the year, positioning Southeast Asia as a key destination for global travellers.
(source: Travel and Tour World)
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