MELAKA: Strategic cooperation among various parties, including ministries, state governments and industry players, as well as the people's support in the next three years are crucial to make a success of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) campaign, said Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said strategic and efficient preparations are essential to activate the VM2026 campaign to maximise the economic impact and establish Malaysia as a key global tourism destination.
He said this was important considering that his ministry was targeting the arrival of 35.6 million foreign tourists in conjunction with VM2026 with an estimated domestic spend of RM147.1 billion.
"Malaysia is rich in tourism attractions, including natural beauty, diverse culture and arts. However, some states overlook these aspects and miss the opportunity to maximise existing tourism resources to drive the industry," he said at the launch of Visit Melaka Year 2024 (VMY2024) and New Year's Eve celebrations here tonight.
Also present were Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and other state leaders.
The event was also telecast live to the autonomous region of Zhuang Guangxi in China, which has a population of 58 million.
Tiong praised the strategic cooperation with the Melaka state government in organising VMY2024, which includes more than 70 events to welcome tourists.
He said the ministry also welcomes the state government's initiative to host international mega events such as World Tourism Day (WTD) and World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2025 from Sept 27 to 29, 2025 and expects them to have a positive impact on the country.
Ab Rauf said in his speech that the 2024 New Year celebrations in conjunction with the launch of VMY2024 will revitalise the tourism sector, which was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the state government is determined to rejuvenate the tourism sector through various strategies, initiatives and measures that are in line with Melaka's development direction to become one of the top three tourist destinations in Malaysia and the world.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Jan 01 2024
Strategic cooperation among various parties in the next three years are crucial to make a success of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) campaign, said said Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. File pic by BERNAMA
PM calls on people to prioritise national interest
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia should also serve as a model for strong racial unity.
Trump repeats tariffs threat to dissuade BRICS nations from replacing US dollar
Trump warns BRICS member countries from replacing the US dollar as a reserve currency by repeating a 100%-tariffs threat.
UN chief demands evacuation of 2,500 Gaza children at 'imminent risk' of death
The doctors said they are advocating for a centralised process for medical evacuations with clear guidelines.
US looking into whether DeepSeek used restricted AI chips, source says
Current restrictions on Nvidia artificial intelligence processors are meant to stop its most sophisticated chips from reaching China.
Number of evacuees continues to rise in flood-hit Sabah, Sarawak
In Sarawak, the number of evacuees rose to 9,398 from 2,725 families this morning.
Investigators find black boxes after deadly Washington plane crash, continue search for answers
Investigators recovered the so-called black boxes from the American Airlines Bombardier jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
Malaysia among nine nations to meet in The Hague over alleged Israeli law violations
Nations expected to plan "coordinated legal, economic, and diplomatic actions" to hold Israel accountable for violating international law.
Near-misses at Washington airport worried pilots well before fatal crash
In the moments before the crash, an air traffic controller can be heard on recordings asking the Army helicopter to pass behind the jet.
No clear reason yet for Washington air disaster that killed 67, officials say
NTSB has begun collecting wreckage, including portions of the helicopter, and is storing it at a hangar at Reagan National.
Where do the legal cases against Trump's executive orders stand?
Here is a look at the cases and where they stand.
Moments before deadly stampede at India's Maha Kumbh, devotees pleaded to open more routes
Police say the path leading to main bathing area is only 50 metres wide and barricaded on either side to avoid people spilling over.
Risk of violence escalates in Myanmar's civil war as junta flags elections
Myanmar's embattled ruling generals are making their most concerted effort to gain legitimacy - by pushing to hold another election.
UN rights chief seeks $500 million in 2025, warning that lives are at risk
The annual appeal is for funds beyond the allocated UN funds from member states' fees, which make up just a fraction of the office's needs.
Floods in Sabah, Sarawak: PM orders NADMA to strengthen federal, state response machinery
PM says the primary focus at this moment is the welfare of flood victims and ensuring the safety of people in the affected areas.
Millions of Hindus take "holy dip" a day after fatal stampede
Devotees take daily 'holy dips,' but on certain dates, "royal" dips are deemed more sacred, drawing larger crowds.
Trump orders agencies to scrub 'gender ideology' from contracts, websites
Federal agencies are required to "recognise women are biologically female, and men are biologically male."
US figure skaters were on board plane that crashed into Potomac River
US Figure Skating said athletes, coaches, and families returning from the National Development Camp were aboard the flight.
Disaster relief assets deployed to flood-affected areas in Sarawak - Ahmad Zahid
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that, so far, more than 50 relief centres have been activated to house flood victims in the state.
Air traffic controller audio captures moments before and after Washington plane crash
The crash caught on a webcam, shows the aircraft exploding in flames and plummeting to earth after it was struck by the helicopter.
Scores feared dead in Washington after jet collides with helicopter, crashes into river
Officials gave no death toll, but Senator Roger Marshall said most, if not all, aboard the Kansas-origin flight likely died in the crash.