KUALA LUMPUR: In his presentation of Budget 2023, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that 2025 will be "Visit Malaysia Year".
He said Malaysia was a country rich in national treasures and clean pristine beaches, apart from having a diverse flora and fauna.
Such attractions would clearly give Malaysia an edge and the ability to generate more income through tourism activities, he added.
Anwar said 2025 would be "Visit Malaysia Year" with a target of 23.5 million international tourist arrivals and a projected income of RM76.8 billion.
"The government will allocate RM250 million to promote tourism. A sum of RM115 Million will be made available as matching grant funds to collaborate and work together 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.
"Such grants will also be used to forge collaborations with Malaysia Airport Holding Bhd (MAHB) and international airlines to encourage charter flights," he said.