A selection of bitesize news stories currently making the headlines in Malaysia:
Malaysia records 28.8 million international visitors in first eight months of 2026
Malaysia’s tourism sector continues to show positive momentum by recording 28.8 million international visitors from January to August this year, a 1.8 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (promotion) Mohd Akbal Setia said the positive performance reflects the continued appeal of Malaysia as a tourism destination and the importance of strengthening international tourism partnerships.
(source: Malay Mail)
Lufthansa launches nonstop Kuala Lumpur-Frankfurt service
Lufthansa Airlines today (26/10) celebrates the launch of its new nonstop service between Kuala Lumpur and Frankfurt, connecting Malaysia’s capital with one of Europe’s leading aviation hubs. The launch marks an important expansion of Lufthansa’s Southeast Asian network and provides customers in Malaysia with direct access to Frankfurt and onward connections across Europe and around the world.
(source: Lufthansa Newsroom)
Hello Penang campaign promotes the island to international travellers
Tourism Malaysia continues to strengthen domestic and international tourism promotion efforts through a strategic collaboration with the Malaysian Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) Penang Chapter and Trip.com by implementing the Hello Penang Campaign. The initiative aims to revitalise local tourism activities, increase hotel occupancy rates, and support the growth of Penang’s tourism economy and hospitality industry.
(source: Tourism Malaysia)
Tourism Malaysia and Alipay+ Partner to transform international visitor experience
Tourism Malaysia and Alipay+, the unified wallet gateway of Ant International, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate cross-border commerce and digitalise merchant engagement across Malaysia’s tourism economy. As Malaysia welcomes visitors for Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 (VM2026–2027), this partnership merges Tourism Malaysia’s destination marketing with Alipay+’s global wallet ecosystem and AI capabilities. It aims to create a highly intelligent digital journey, connecting international travellers directly with local operators as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), strategically distributing visitor spending beyond major hubs to support the broader economic goals of VM2026–2027.
(source: Tourism Malaysia)
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