BANGKOK (July 1): Malaysia launched a major campaign to attract more Thai travellers ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), promoting the country as top destination for sustainable and inclusive travel experiences.

Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said VM2026 highlights Malaysia’s wide-ranging tourism assets, including eco-parks in Sabah and Sarawak, Unesco heritage sites, vibrant multicultural urban experiences, and tranquil coastal retreats.

"We are focusing on seamless accessibility, improved infrastructure, and sustainability-driven experiences that meet the changing preferences of modern travellers," he said in his speech during the VM2026 launch event in Bangkok on Tuesday.

Tiong, who is currently leading a tourism promotional campaign in Bangkok, remarked that Thailand and Malaysia share a strong friendship rooted in shared cultural values, people-to-people connections, and robust cross-border trade.

He underscored that as Southeast Asia recovers in the post-pandemic era, tourism is regaining its status as a critical pillar for regional economic revitalisation.

"Within Asean, we must see each other as collaborators rather than competitors. By working together, we can strengthen travel corridors, offer more appealing tourism packages, and create richer, more meaningful experiences for both regional and international visitors," he said.

For the record, Malaysia received 13.4 million international visitors from January to April this year, marking a 21% increase compared to the same period last year. 

Of these, 833,610 visitors were from Thailand, representing a 3.4% year-on-year growth and solidifying Thailand’s status as a key market.

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