MalaysianUpdates

Tag: #VisitMalaysia2026

  • Quanzhou–Kuala Lumpur Air Link Launched, Opening Doors for Tourism and Business Growth

    Quanzhou–Kuala Lumpur Air Link Launched, Opening Doors for Tourism and Business Growth

    Tourism Malaysia has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Xiamen Airlines on the successful launch of its inaugural direct flight connecting Quanzhou and Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant milestone in strengthening tourism and trade relations between Malaysia and China.

    The maiden flight, MF8661, arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at approximately 2:45 p.m., signifying the beginning of a new air route from Quanzhou, a historic city known as the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Operated with a Boeing 738 aircraft, the service will run four times weekly between Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport (JJN) and KLIA Terminal 1 (KUL), offering 169 seats comprising eight in business class and 161 in economy class. This direct connection is expected to enhance air accessibility, foster bilateral collaboration, and encourage greater cultural and economic exchange between both nations.

    The inaugural ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia; Mr. Mohamad Libra Lee Haniff, Director of International Promotions (Asia/Africa) Division of Tourism Malaysia; Mr. Sarjanisham Darus, Senior Manager of Aviation Marketing and Development, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad; and Ms. Gao Ya Shuang, General Manager of Xiamen Airlines. Their presence underscored the strong partnership between Malaysia’s tourism and aviation sectors in advancing regional connectivity and growth.

    In his address, Mr. Samuel Lee highlighted the importance of this new air route, stating that it represents a major step forward in strengthening the already flourishing tourism relations between Malaysia and China. He expressed confidence that the new connection would not only provide easier travel access for visitors from Quanzhou and surrounding regions but also reinforce Malaysia’s position as a premier destination in Southeast Asia. Mr. Lee further added that Malaysia eagerly looks forward to welcoming more Chinese visitors to explore its diverse attractions, ranging from rich cultural heritage and natural landscapes to modern urban experiences.

    Between January and August 2025, Malaysia recorded an impressive 3.3 million visitor arrivals from China, a 27.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This upward trend reflects Malaysia’s continued appeal among Chinese travellers, drawn by its variety of destinations, unique cuisine, and vibrant cultural tapestry. The addition of the Quanzhou–Kuala Lumpur route by Xiamen Airlines is expected to further support this growth, providing a seamless and convenient travel experience for Chinese tourists.

    Tourism Malaysia remains committed to collaborating with international airlines, airport authorities, and industry partners to strengthen global air connectivity and expand Malaysia’s tourism footprint. The timing of this new route aligns with the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, offering an excellent opportunity to elevate Malaysia’s standing as one of the world’s leading travel destinations. For more information or to book flights, visit www.xiamenair.com/en-my/.

  • Dragon Hot Pot Sets ASEAN Record, Strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s Global Appeal Ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

    Dragon Hot Pot Sets ASEAN Record, Strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s Global Appeal Ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

    The long-awaited arrival of Australia’s renowned Dragon Hot Pot has finally made its mark in Malaysia with a grand opening at Bukit Bintang’s Low Yat Park. Spanning 2,600 square feet, the outlet officially brings the brand’s globally viral custom-made malatang concept to local diners, making Kuala Lumpur its newest culinary hotspot. The opening ceremony was officiated by Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia, who recognized Dragon Hot Pot as a timely and valuable addition to Malaysia’s evolving food and tourism landscape.

    In his address, Lee highlighted the significance of the launch in light of the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, the nation’s largest tourism initiative. He pointed out that the event coincided with the recently tabled Budget 2026, in which Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced over RM700 million to strengthen the tourism sector. Of this amount, RM500 million was allocated specifically to support Visit Malaysia 2026. Lee noted that this investment demonstrated strong confidence in Malaysia’s tourism potential and emphasized the importance of promoting the nation’s vibrant culinary scene as one of its greatest attractions.

    He also referred to a new measure under Budget 2026 that has generated widespread public interest a special individual income tax relief of up to RM1,000 for expenses related to entrance fees to local attractions and cultural programs. Describing the move as a smart and practical initiative, Lee said it would encourage domestic travel while stimulating spending within the local economy. He explained that when Malaysians explore museums, parks, and cultural destinations, they not only enrich their own experiences but also support small and medium-sized enterprises in accommodation, transportation, food, and culture the true lifeblood of Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem.

    Lee added that Kuala Lumpur’s diverse food landscape is an integral part of the visitor experience, noting that destinations like Dragon Hot Pot enhance the capital’s growing reputation as a haven for food lovers.

    The highlight of the event was Dragon Hot Pot Malaysia’s recognition by ASEAN Records for achieving the title of “Most Hotpot Ingredient and Soup Base Variety by an Australian Mala Hotpot Brand.” With an impressive offering of 162 ingredients displayed on its self-service racks and 10 distinctive soup bases, the brand has established itself as one of the most diverse and customizable hot pot experiences in the region.

    Brand founder Louis Kuo expressed his enthusiasm about redefining the hot pot experience for modern lifestyles. He shared that while hot pot has traditionally been a slow, communal dining affair, Dragon Hot Pot’s concept aims to make it more accessible and convenient for urban diners. Whether it is a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a late-night craving, the brand offers an authentic and flavourful experience without compromising on quality.

    At the core of Dragon Hot Pot’s success is its unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and inclusivity. The brand’s signature broths, including its famous Malatang, are prepared from century-old Sichuan recipes and simmered for over 12 hours using old chickens, more than 20 Chinese herbs, and real Sichuan pepper. In Malaysia, the menu has been tailored to be entirely pork-free, lard-free, and alcohol-free, ensuring a Muslim-friendly dining experience while retaining its original flavours. The company is also in the process of obtaining halal certification from JAKIM to further solidify its presence in the local market.

    Operated by Taste of Malaysia Hot Pot Sdn. Bhd., the Bukit Bintang outlet marks the beginning of Dragon Hot Pot’s regional expansion beyond Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with Japan slated to follow in 2026. Over the next two years, the brand plans to open five to six additional outlets across the Klang Valley and other major cities in Malaysia. It is also inviting local entrepreneurs to explore franchising opportunities as part of its growth strategy.

    The grand opening was a lively cultural celebration, featuring a captivating lion and dragon dance performance, a graceful traditional Chinese fan dance, and live entertainment by popular artists STEADYGANG and Diana Danielle. Guests were treated to interactive games and an exclusive promotion where eager visitors received a complimentary 300g portion of hot pot, creating long queues of excited diners eager to sample the much-talked-about Malatang.

    Throughout October, Dragon Hot Pot Malaysia continues to delight food enthusiasts with two major promotions. From 18 to 20 October, customers enjoy the first 300g of their malatang free, paying only for any additional weight. The excitement carries on from 21 to 31 October, where customers who spend RM25 or more will receive a scratch card with a chance to win prizes such as an iPad, AirPods, exclusive Labubu collectibles, dining vouchers, and the grand prize of one year’s worth of free Dragon Hot Pot meals. For the latest updates, promotions, and announcements, visit Dragon Hot Pot Malaysia’s official Instagram, Facebook, and Rednote accounts at @DragonHotPot_MY.

  • Malaysia Week 2025 Ignites Brunei’s Excitement for Visit Malaysia 2026

    Malaysia Week 2025 Ignites Brunei’s Excitement for Visit Malaysia 2026

    Tourism Malaysia successfully hosted Malaysia Week 2025 from 18 to 19 October at the Atrium, Ground Floor, The Mall, Gadong. The event highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to promoting its diverse travel destinations while strengthening collaboration with Brunei’s tourism industry, marking an important milestone in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).

    The two-day event served as a strategic platform to showcase Malaysia’s wide range of tourism experiences, spanning adventure, culture, wellness, and lifestyle. It also reaffirmed Malaysia’s readiness to welcome more international visitors in the coming year.

    A total of eleven exhibitors participated in the event, representing the states of Selangor, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan, alongside travel agents from Brunei Darussalam. Visitors were treated to exclusive travel promotions and attractive discounts on airfares, hotel stays, and holiday packages. Adding to the excitement, Malaysia Week 2025 also featured a variety of interactive activities, children’s games, and daily lucky draws with appealing prizes, creating a lively atmosphere for families and travel enthusiasts alike.

    The opening ceremony was jointly officiated by His Excellency Datuk Mohd Aini Atan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam; Haji Badarudin bin Haji Bagol, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Royal Brunei Airlines; and Ms. Hazrina Azman, Director of Tourism Malaysia Brunei Darussalam.

    In her remarks, Ms. Hazrina expressed her optimism about Malaysia’s strong tourism appeal among Bruneians. She said that Brunei has always been one of Malaysia’s key tourism markets within ASEAN, and Malaysia Week 2025 aims to encourage more Bruneians to rediscover Malaysia not only as a nearby getaway but also as a destination rich in culture, adventure, and authentic experiences. She added that with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, the country looks forward to welcoming even more travellers to experience Malaysia’s beauty and hospitality.

    His Excellency Datuk Mohd Aini Atan also emphasized the enduring friendship between Malaysia and Brunei, describing their tourism collaboration as a reflection of shared culture, mutual respect, and strong people-to-people connections. He expressed hope that the event would give Bruneians a glimpse of Malaysia’s vibrant lifestyle, diverse attractions, and world-class hospitality.

    Brunei Darussalam continues to be one of Malaysia’s top tourism markets in ASEAN. From January to August 2025, Malaysia recorded 1,005,423 visitor arrivals from Brunei, reaffirming its position as a favourite travel destination for Bruneian tourists.

    Moving forward, Malaysia will continue to develop high-value tourism segments, including family-friendly holidays, eco and community-based tourism, wellness retreats, education tourism, long-stay packages, and MICE travel. Supported by strong infrastructure and authentic local experiences, Malaysia is ready to welcome millions of visitors seeking memorable and meaningful journeys in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

  • Trip.com Strengthens Regional Presence with Expanded Malaysia Support Hub

    Trip.com, a leading international one-stop travel service provider, recently celebrated the official opening of its expanded Malaysia Customer Support Center, marking a significant milestone in its mission to enhance travel experiences for millions of travelers worldwide.

    As artificial intelligence continues to transform the travel industry with innovations such as AI-powered recommendations, instant translation tools, and real-time assistance, Trip.com believes that true service excellence comes from blending technological innovation with human expertise. With around 16,000 representatives across 16 support centers worldwide, Trip.com Group’s global customer service network reflects this philosophy by delivering 24/7 multilingual assistance. The majority of calls and chats related to flights and hotels are answered within 30 seconds, ensuring travelers always receive reliable, efficient, and empathetic support throughout their journey.

    Since its establishment in 2023, the Malaysia Customer Support Center has achieved tenfold growth in just two years, cementing its position as a strategic hub within Trip.com’s global operations. The center now supports a wide range of Trip.com products and plays a vital role in driving the company’s regional growth.

    “Automation enhances speed and efficiency, but at Trip.com we never lose sight of the human touch,” said Arvin Singh, Senior Service Manager at Trip.com Malaysia. “As a fully Malaysian team, we have the expertise, from local languages to cultural nuances, to better understand our customers and their needs. By combining this with cutting-edge technology, we are able to provide personalized and effective solutions that ensure our customers feel truly supported.”

    Trip.com’s strong service culture is reflected in its performance, with the majority of customer requests after sales receiving responses within 30 minutes to one hour. More than 85 percent of issues are successfully resolved on the first attempt, and the platform currently holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.4 out of 5, highlighting the trust and confidence customers place in its services.

    Stephane Thong, General Manager of Trip.com Malaysia, emphasized the importance of the local market to the company’s overall strategy. “Malaysia and Southeast Asia are among our most important markets, contributing significantly to Trip.com’s steady growth performance. Expanding our customer service operations here reflects our long-term vision of making Malaysia a hub not only for customer support but also for travel innovation, talent development, and collaboration with local industry partners. We see tremendous potential in strengthening the local tourism ecosystem, attracting more international visitors, and ensuring that every traveler who engages with Trip.com enjoys a seamless and memorable journey.”

    She added that with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, Trip.com is committed to supporting the country’s tourism goals. By leveraging its platform, the company aims to increase Malaysia’s visibility on the global stage and provide enhanced travel experiences for all.

    Trip.com Group’s customer-first philosophy has powered its growth over the past 25 years, balancing innovation with genuine human empathy. The expansion of the Malaysia Customer Support Center forms part of its global growth strategy and reinforces the company’s commitment to setting new benchmarks for travel service excellence across Southeast Asia and beyond.

  • Global Muslim-Friendly Tourism Gets a Boost with ITC’s Strategic Collaborations

    Global Muslim-Friendly Tourism Gets a Boost with ITC’s Strategic Collaborations

    The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) has recently formed a significant partnership with three leading tourism associations—Bumiputera Travel and Tour Agents Association of Malaysia (BUMITRA), the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and the Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association (MICA)—with the aim to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a global leader in Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality (MFTH). The milestone was celebrated during a signing ceremony at One World Hotel.

    This strategic collaboration focuses on organising ‘familiarisation trip’ programmes for Imams from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Europe. These curated trips aim to highlight Malaysia’s rich Muslim-friendly ecosystem, including its cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and urban attractions, positioning the country as a prime destination for Muslim travellers.

    During his speech at the event, ITC Director-General Nizran Noordin emphasized that the collaboration represents Malaysia’s commitment to creating a sustainable and robust Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem. He stated that by engaging influential Muslim leaders from China and Europe, the initiative aims to foster international awareness, generate business opportunities, and strengthen the country’s tourism sector. He also highlighted the success of the pilot programme conducted in January 2024, where 35 Imams from 14 Chinese provinces were welcomed. This initiative resulted in an influx of 58,000 Chinese Muslim tourists, generating RM92.8 million in tourism receipts within just two months.

    The familiarisation trips are set to bring substantial economic benefits, in line with Malaysia’s goal of boosting Muslim tourist arrivals and further establishing the nation’s tourism economy. Malaysia’s continuous top ranking in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) for nine years underscores its status as a leading Muslim-friendly travel destination.

    The familiarisation trips will begin with MICA’s 7-day, 6-night programme for Imams from China, starting on February 5, 2025. The trip will showcase Malaysia’s Muslim-friendly tourism offerings, including halal-certified restaurants, accommodations, iconic mosques, and other Islamic tourism destinations. The trips will be guided by ITC-certified Muslim-friendly tour guides. Additional trips organised by BUMITRA and MATTA are planned for later in the year, each designed to emphasize Malaysia’s key features as a Muslim-friendly destination.

    As part of the agreement, the participating associations are committed to increasing the number of Muslim tourists visiting Malaysia, in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 targets. The collaboration will contribute to achieving these goals, making Malaysia a top destination for Muslim travellers.

    The signing ceremony was attended by notable representatives, including Nizran Noordin from ITC, Dr. Wan Muhamad Adam Wan Norudin (President of BUMITRA), Dr. Cindy Seow (Deputy President of MICA), and Datuk Mohd Hizzat Bin Mohd Shah (Vice President of Research and Technology at MATTA). The event was witnessed by YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia. This collaboration marks a significant step in ITC’s mission to work alongside industry stakeholders, ensuring Malaysia continues to lead in Muslim-friendly tourism innovation, and providing seamless, enriching travel experiences for global Muslim tourists.

  • Sokongan Padu MyBHA terhadap Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026: Peluang Besar, Cabaran Industri Perlu Diatasi

    Sokongan Padu MyBHA terhadap Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026: Peluang Besar, Cabaran Industri Perlu Diatasi

    Persatuan Hotel Bajet & Bisnes Malaysia (MyBHA) memberikan sokongan penuh terhadap kempen Tahun Melawat Malaysia (VMY) 2026 yang merupakan salah satu inisiatif terbesar negara dalam mempromosikan Malaysia sebagai destinasi pelancongan global. Menyokong VMY2026, MyBHA turut menekankan beberapa cabaran yang perlu diatasi agar kempen ini berjaya memberikan impak yang maksimum kepada sektor pelancongan Malaysia.

    VMY2026 adalah peluang besar untuk mempamerkan kekayaan budaya, alam semula jadi, dan kemajuan industri hospitaliti Malaysia. MyBHA menegaskan pentingnya merangkumi kepelbagaian jenis penginapan yang ada di negara ini, dari hotel lima bintang hingga penginapan bajet. Dengan menyediakan pelbagai pilihan kepada pelancong, Malaysia boleh menjadi destinasi yang menarik bagi pelancong dari pelbagai lapisan masyarakat dan pelbagai bajet. Ini juga akan memastikan bahawa Malaysia mampu menarik pelancong dari seluruh dunia, tanpa mengira latar belakang kewangan mereka.

    MyBHA menggesa agar semua negeri di Malaysia mengambil bahagian aktif dalam mempromosikan tarikan budaya dan alam semula jadi masing-masing. Pendekatan yang menyeluruh ini akan membolehkan setiap negeri menonjolkan keistimewaannya dan membantu memperkaya pengalaman pelancong yang datang. Oleh itu, adalah penting agar segala usaha pemasaran ini diselaraskan dan dipadukan dengan strategi VMY2026 yang lebih luas.

    MyBHA menyarankan agar kerjasama erat antara sektor swasta dan kerajaan, khususnya Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia (MoTAC) dan Tourism Malaysia, lebih diperhebatkan. Melalui kerjasama yang erat ini, sektor pelancongan Malaysia akan dapat mencapai tahap pertumbuhan yang lebih pesat. Selain itu, MyBHA juga menegaskan bahawa hanya pengusaha yang berdaftar dan berlesen yang harus mendapat manfaat daripada kempen ini. Dengan memastikan kepatuhan terhadap peraturan dan standard yang ditetapkan, integriti sektor pelancongan Malaysia dapat dipelihara.

    MyBHA juga menyarankan agar semua ahli industri hotel bajet dan bisnes mengintegrasikan elemen penjenamaan VMY2026, termasuk penggunaan logo rasmi, lagu tema, dan bahan promosi yang selaras dengan kempen ini. Ini adalah langkah penting untuk memastikan bahawa semua usaha pemasaran di dalam dan luar negara berada dalam satu arah yang konsisten dan efektif. Lebih daripada itu, latihan untuk pekerja dalam menghadapi pelancong harus menjadi keutamaan. Penggunaan modul “Mesra Malaysia” yang mendorong nilai kasih sayang terhadap negara serta semangat perpaduan dan keharmonian harus diterapkan dalam interaksi dengan pelancong, menjadikan mereka merasa disambut dengan baik.

    MyBHA juga memberi sokongan penuh terhadap keputusan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing untuk meninjau semula video promosi VMY2026. Video promosi ini adalah medium penting untuk memperkenalkan Malaysia kepada dunia, dan MyBHA berharap ia akan menonjolkan Malaysia sebagai negara yang mempunyai masyarakat berbilang kaum yang hidup harmoni. Memasukkan elemen-elemen seperti penginapan bajet dalam video promosi akan menunjukkan bahawa Malaysia adalah destinasi yang mudah diakses oleh semua pelancong, tanpa mengira demografi atau kedudukan kewangan mereka.

    MyBHA memandang VMY2026 sebagai peluang yang amat bernilai bagi sektor penginapan bajet untuk menonjolkan peranan mereka dalam ekosistem pelancongan Malaysia. Dengan menyokong inisiatif ini, MyBHA berharap dapat memperkasa industri hotel bajet di Malaysia, yang merupakan pilihan penginapan utama bagi pelancong bajet dan mereka yang mengutamakan pengalaman pelancongan yang lebih autentik dan berpatutan.

    MyBHA komited untuk terus menyokong usaha-usaha yang mengembangkan industri pelancongan Malaysia. Dengan kerjasama semua pihak, termasuk sektor swasta, kerajaan, dan masyarakat setempat, Malaysia mampu mencapai kejayaan yang besar melalui VMY2026. Inisiatif ini tidak hanya akan meningkatkan kedatangan pelancong, tetapi juga memberi impak positif kepada ekonomi tempatan serta memperkukuhkan diplomasi budaya negara.