SEPANG: All ministries must boost the nation's tourism, investment, and economic potential to ensure no state is left behind in the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today the campaign's ambitious goals, which include a projected revenue of RM147.1 billion and 35.6 million tourist arrivals, are achievable with everyone's help.
"VM2026 represents a fresh approach to positioning Malaysia as a premier tourist destination. It also marks the start of a sincere effort to achieve sustainable tourism growth.
"I call on all ministries to focus on strengthening Malaysia's tourism capabilities while expanding investment and economic opportunities, ensuring equitable benefits for every region and state," he said at the campaign launch here.
Present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as well as Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Anwar said achieving these projections would benefit various sectors in the country, including tourism, food and beverage sectors.
"However, beyond these headline figures, our goal is to promote sustainable tourism that benefits the environment and communities.
"Tourism should act as a catalyst for economic growth while offering visitors offering visitors meaningful, unforgettable and culturally enriching experiences.
"Malaysia is not just another destination; it is a unique, eco-friendly location enriched by its diverse, multicultural population."
He said the campaign's goals align with the Madani framework, which prioritises sustainability and achieving higher progress and development levels.
"This aspect is often overlooked in the rush to achieve success and development, which frequently disregards environmental concerns.
"Therefore, as we promote Malaysia, we aim to present it as a sustainable and harmonious destination, showcasing a rich cultural heritage built on strong and inclusive values."
Anwar said the VM2026 campaign aligns with the government's efforts to prepare all states as attractive tourism destinations in conjunction with Malaysia's Asean chairmanship this year.