Government has outlined and implemented strategies to stimulate tourism industry – Ahmad Zahid

PUTRAJAYA, July 19, 2024 – The Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi held a stakeholder engagement session with tourism industry players yesterday in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 Campaign (VM2026).

This engagement session was the first he had with tourism industry players to meet, get acquainted, and obtain views on challenges related to the country’s tourism industry.

In his speech, Ahmad Zahid said that to continue the momentum of recovery and drive the country’s tourism industry towards a more sustainable, competitive, and resilient future, the Government has already outlined and implemented several strategies to stimulate the country’s tourism industry.

“Initiatives such as the MM2H program, ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the organization of the VM2026 campaign, and more tactical promotion and marketing activities are expected to have a more positive impact on this industry this year and in the coming years,” said Ahmad Zahid.

He added that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has targeted 27.3 million international tourists this year with tourism revenue of RM102.7 billion.

“Alhamdulillah, based on MOTAC records and data, the achievement until May 2024 has shown good performance in terms of international tourist arrivals, which is 9.48 million compared to 7.48 million in 2023, during the same period. We also expect and target that this number will continue to increase in the third and fourth quarters.

I also welcome you to provide views and feedback so that the Government, especially MOTAC, can organize and plan all efforts/initiatives to achieve the expected objectives. I believe the Honorable Minister and the people of MOTAC have given their best to ensure that the momentum of the tourism industry continues on the best and right track,” he said.

He also hoped that all Ministries and industry parties would work together, cooperate, and be committed to fully committing to the success of VM2026, which is a National Agenda.

“I am very confident that with the earnestness of all parties, Malaysia will become a world-class tourism destination with high cultural values,” said Ahmad Zahid.