SEPANG: The Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign was officially launched today, featuring a fresh logo, mascots, a new theme song and an aircraft livery as part of efforts to elevate the country's tourism sector to new heights.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who officiated the event, described the campaign as a transformative step towards positioning Malaysia as a world-class tourist destination while fostering inclusive growth across all states.
"This campaign will truly drive tourism growth across the country. The theme song is an excellent example of inclusivity, representing all in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak regions, each with their unique strengths.
"Even this year, as we promote Asean, we are ensuring that all states, without exception, are well-prepared to become tourist destinations," he said during the campaign's launch today.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said more partners would join the campaign in the coming months.
These partnerships, he said, would focus on strategic cooperation with Tourism Malaysia to ensure the success of the campaign and make Malaysia a top travel destination for 2026.
"These represent a shared commitment to innovation, expertise and global connections to keep Malaysia's tourism resilient, competitive and sustainable.
"Together, we will boost Malaysia's tourism industry and create a dynamic and inclusive environment for all stakeholders."
Also present at the launch were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Amirudin Shari, among others.
In addition to the theme song Surreal Experiences, sung by renowned singer Ernie Zakri, the Malayan sun bear was unveiled as the campaign's official icon, symbolising both its endangered status and Malaysia's commitment to wildlife conservation. The sun bear was represented by two mascots, Wira and Manja, which embody inclusivity and diversity.
Tourism Malaysia said the VM2026 campaign aims to boost tourism revenue, strengthen Malaysia's global competitiveness as a tourist destination, and position the sector as a key contributor to the nation's GDP.
"With Malaysia's potential as a world-class tourist destination, VM2026 is set to not only enhance tourism but also create jobs and improve the country's global image, driving growth in other sectors beyond tourism."
The launch also saw the exchange of memorandums of collaboration with key strategic partners, including Malaysia Aviation Group, AirAsia, Batik Air, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Huawei, Mastercard, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International.
Tourism Malaysia also announced that the VM2026 campaign will feature the Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025, scheduled for Feb 8 at the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, an event expected to attract over 20,000 participants.