KUCHING: The next ‘Visit Malaysia Year’ has been set for 2026, with an ambitious target of 26.1 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2026, accompanied by domestic spending of RM97.6 billion.
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also announced an allocation amounting to RM350 million, aimed at boosting tourism promotions and tourism activities to make Malaysia one of the world’s top tourist destinations again.
He said the allocation is for organising the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and collaboration with the industry to promote tourism activities and events within and outside the country.
“The allocation will also include assistance to support over 200 cultural activists in organising art and cultural activities.
“Additionally, a charter flight matching grant has been introduced to facilitate easy access to international flights to Malaysia,” he said.
He said this when tabling Budget 2024 – under the theme “Madani Economy: Empowering the People” in Dewan Rakyat here today (October 13).
He added that allocation will also be provided to the Islamic Tourism Centre to develop Muslim-friendly tourism in Malaysia.
Moreover, a substantial sum of RM80 million has been allocated for the preservation and conservation of potential heritage buildings and UNESCO-recognised sites, including Niah Cave, Sarawak; Bujang Valley, Kedah and Royal Belum, Perak.
