MAH Press Statement - Launch of VM2026

7 January 2025

MAH APPLAUDS THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF

VISIT MALAYSIA 2026 (VM2026)

KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) highly commends the government for the official launch of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, a national initiative to promote Malaysia as the premier tourism destination. Officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and graced by Deputy Prime Ministers Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing; as well as Selangor Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari, among others, the year sets an ambitious goal to attract 35.6 million visitors and generate RM147.1 billion in revenue. The launch featured the unveiling of the campaign’s vibrant batik-patterned logo, the “Surreal Experiences” theme song, and Malayan Sun Bear character mascots named Wira and Manja.

MAH is deeply honoured to be a strategic partner for VM2026, representing the hospitality industry. For hotels specifically, this campaign means increased occupancy, enhanced international visibility, and an opportunity to contribute to the country’s shared goal for tourism success. The hospitality industry is ready to support the government’s aspirations. With tailored packages and an unwavering commitment to excellence, our hotels will be well-prepared to meet the needs of the anticipated influx of tourists by 2026.

While MAH lauds the campaign’s high-reaching targets, we also underscore the critical importance of effective marketing efforts in the months ahead. Datin Christina Toh, President of MAH, commented, “The hotel industry welcomes the inspiring and ambitious goals set by the government for VM2026. Our hope is that the government will couple such high ambitions with equally great efforts to achieve them. 2026 is only 11 months away, which is just around the corner. Before then, it is vital for VM2026 promotional activities to reach global audiences effectively. As always, MAH stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and other stakeholders to ensure the success of our national tourism efforts.”

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About the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH)

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) is the umbrella body for hotels in Malaysia formed in 1974 and initially established by a group of concerned and dedicated hoteliers to bring about a more dynamic hospitality industry aimed at building a workforce of highly skilled, innovative and disciplined individuals. Its long-term goal was to enhance the efficiency of the hospitality industry, thus, bringing about a more dynamic Malaysian hospitality industry. MAH, as the official national network for the hotel industry, represents more than 900 hotels throughout Malaysia supplying a total of 155,287 rooms which is about 65% of the total number of hotel rooms available as guest accommodation in this country. With 13 chapters across the nation, MAH acts as a voice of the industry, working as one body to promote, protect, represent and advance the interests of its members.

About MAHTEC

MAHTEC Sdn Bhd commenced its fiscal year in 1998 to profile MAH as a human resource development provider and to upgrade the skills and knowledge of staff-in-service in the industry. MAHTEC is the training arm of the Association specializing in developing quality human resources in the hospitality industry. Highly specialized in the areas of Hospitality Skills Training and Managerial Development Training, all programs are facilitated by experienced and qualified Trainers through workshops and practical session.