Co-organized with the Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (MICA), Tourism Malaysia launched the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) Promotion Campaign from March 7 to 9, 2025, in Guangzhou, which aims to attract 7 million visitors from China in 2026.
In his opening remarks, Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia, introduced that this is the first-ever consumer event in China since the pandemic and also a promotion for the 2026 Malaysian national tourism year.
Dancers perform at VM2026 promotion campaign in Guangzhou, on Mar 8, 2025. (Photo: GDToday)
With visa exemption and the popularization of air routes, Lee highlighted that there are 181 flights per week between Malaysia and Guangdong Province alone. He welcomed friends from Guangdong to take a trip to Malaysia.
On the occasion, Suraya Pauzi, the Consul General of Malaysia to Guangzhou, underlined the familiarity among people in Guangzhou with Malaysia, such as its durian, travel spotlights, and its people.
"Malaysia is a very inclusive and outward-looking nation. We want to offer the best we have to others – for them to celebrate with us and take away a memorable experience," said Suraya.
Guests hold mascots and signs of VM2026 at promotion campaign in Guangzhou, on Mar 8, 2025. (Photo: GDToday)
The promotion features a diverse range of Malaysian tourism products, such as labu sayong and batik painting, highlighting the country's vibrant culture and stunning attractions while offering exclusive tourism packages for Chinese visitors.
In 2024, Malaysia welcomed more than 3,700,000 visitors from China, marking a 130.9% year-on-year growth. The extension of the visa-free policy for Chinese nationals until December 2026, coupled with increased air connectivity of 515 flights weekly, is expected to accelerate this growth, strengthening cultural ties and boosting mutual economic benefits.
Reporter: Zhang Ruijun
Video: Liang Zijian
Photo: Zhang Ruijun
Editor: Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He
