KUALA LUMPUR: Cleanliness, security issues and the lack of interesting and new tourism products are among the challenges as the country gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan however said the ministry was optimistic that the issues would be addressed with the cooperation of all quarters including state governments, private sectors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as the support of Malaysians in welcoming the tourists.

Several strategies would be implemented in ensuring the campaign a success, he said.

They include continuous engagement sessions and collaboration with the relevant ministries, state governments, local authorities and NGOs in the tourism and culture industry.

He said strategic cooperation would be carried out through six main clusters, namely, land transportation, air transport, tourism associations, special interest tourism, tourist accommodation and cultural promotion.

"The ministry is also updating Mesra Malaysia's special course to enhance hospitality and mindset and provide friendly and quality service to tourists.

"Tourism Malaysia will conduct various promotional programmes and activities with airlines and tourism agencies in promoting Malaysia as one of the top tourism destinations, which involves enhancing the network of air connectivity (and) accessibility to attract more foreign visitors," he said in reply to a question from Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh).

Mesra Malaysia is a mandatory pre-requisite for tour guides to get their licence from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac).

Khairul Firdaus said the tourism publicity and promotional efforts, as well as advertisements on digital platforms were in line with the current trends, which includes smart partnerships with private sector and industry players such as Online Travel Agents (OTAs) and tour agents, as well as promotions through online platforms.

"Compared to the last Visit Malaysia Year (VMY2014), where digital influence was not as great, but now (VM2026), we can see how we can adapt and maximise the number of tourists using the platforms."

The Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020) was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and efforts were mainly emphasised on curbing the spread of the virus.

VM2026 aims to attract 35.6 million foreign tourists, with a target revenue of RM147.1 billion.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/1067700/malaysia-prepares-vm2026-tackling-cleanliness-and-security-challenges