With 2023 already looking to be a bumper year for tourism in Malaysia, officials are looking ahead and planning for long-term growth. To that end, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that 2025 will be the next official ‘Visit Malaysia Year’.
The PM was making a speech to announce the release of his government’s 2023 budget, which includes an increase in spending on the tourism sector. He is planning to invest in the tourism sector in Malaysia – a country described as ‘rich in natural treasures and clean beaches, with diverse flora and fauna.’
Anwar has pledged major development and investment over the next two years, with a view to making 2025 ‘Visit Malaysia Year.’ The target for this campaign has been set at 23.5 million international arrivals, with revenue generated amounting to RM76.8 billion.
“The government will allocate RM250 million to promote tourism,” said the PM in his speech, during which he confirmed that a further RM115 Million will also be made available for collaboration with the Tourism, Arts and Culture industries.
“These matching grants will help promote tourism promotion activities and organise major events, such as international sporting and cultural events,” he added.
To fuel tourism growth, the government plans to set up new collaborative partnerships with Malaysia Airport Holding Bhd (MAHB) and various other international airlines, in a bid to encourage charter flights.
According to Tourism Malaysia, the ‘Visit Malaysia Year’ is a regular campaign event strategy, “held from time to time to highlight the best of what Malaysia has to offer as a leading tourist destination in Asia.” The last time the campaign was rolled out was in 2020, with the ‘Visit Truly Asia Malaysia’ promotion (VMY2020).
With tourism back in full swing and international attention returning to Malaysia, the next few years leading up to VMY 2025 are expected to be a prosperous and successful time for the sector. Travellers and tour operators can look forward to a raft of new destinations, experiences and promotions in the months ahead.
