By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 7: Malaysia has officially set the wheels in motion for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) with the pre-launch of World Tourism Day (WTD) 2025 and the World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2025, held in the historic heart of Melaka on Saturday (July 5).
The ceremony, which also celebrated the 17th anniversary of Melaka’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage City, was attended by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, who represented Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Speaking at the event held at the iconic Stadthuys in Banda Hilir, Tiong highlighted the importance of WTD and WTC 2025 as milestone events in the lead-up to VM2026—a campaign that he described as more than just a push for tourist arrivals, but a national movement to reimagine Malaysia’s global image.
“VM2026 is not just about numbers but the stories, values, and impact.
“With unity across all states, we aim to present Malaysia as a nation of diversity, authenticity, and shared purpose,” Tiong said in a statement posted on Facebook.
He described Melaka as a living testament to Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and world-renowned hospitality, and stressed that tourism remains a crucial pillar in a time of global uncertainty—driving not just economic activity but also fostering dignity and peace.
“The more uncertain the world becomes, the more vital tourism is: for jobs, for dignity, for peace.
“Let us work hand in hand, both globally and locally, to elevate Malaysia’s standing on the world stage,” he added.
Tiong called on all stakeholders to ensure that WTD 2025 becomes one of the country’s most memorable, inclusive and transformative tourism events, adding: “It is time for us to show the world what Malaysia can truly offer. Let us, together as one nation, transform tourism for a better tomorrow.”
The poetic message that opened his statement—“Walk the river where lanterns shine, stories bloom in streets of grace. Come to Melaka, your heart meets mine, and leave with Malaysia in your embrace”—set the tone for what he hopes will be a heartfelt and impactful national campaign as Malaysia prepares to welcome the world in 2026. – DayakDaily
