Tourists in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo by AFPA

Total of 103 new flight routes and five chartered flights from major countries have been approved to enhance global connectivity to Malaysia in preparation for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the development during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Tourism and Culture, Selangor Journal reported.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to positioning tourism as a key driver of economic growth.

This sector not only contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product, but also creates job opportunities and strengthens Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global market, Zahid said in a statement as cited by Malay Mail.

The Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign aims to attract 35.6 million tourists and generate RM147.1 billion (US$32.5 billion) in revenue.

Malaysia, named Asia’s most-loved country last year by U.S. finance site Insider Monkey, welcomed 38 million arrivals in 2024, including 13 million excursionists, a 31.1% increase year-on-year and an 8.3% rise compared to pre-Covid levels in 2019, according to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

Source: VN EXPRESS