By Rafiq Vayani
SELANGOR: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, under the leadership of YB Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, hosted the Gala Dinner for the Global Travel Meet (GTM) 2025 on Wednesday, 1st October, 2025 at the Grand Ballroom, Sunway Resort Hotel, Selangor. The evening also marked the official launch of Tourism Malaysia’s Calendar of Events 2026, setting the stage for the nation’s tourism promotion efforts ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
The Gala Dinner, attended by more than 1,000 local and international guests, brought together 400 Malaysian tourism sellers, 600 international buyers, and 100 international media representatives, showcasing Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening global tourism partnerships.
In his keynote speech, YB Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing commended Tourism Malaysia for taking the bold step to host GTM for the first time in Malaysia, describing it as a milestone in the nation’s efforts to position itself as a leading global travel hub.
“This Global Travel Meet proves Malaysia’s readiness to engage with the world. While there may be areas to improve, what matters most is that Tourism Malaysia has taken the first step to connect our rich heritage, culture, and natural attractions with international industry players. Moving forward, we must create a two-way platform not only to promote Malaysia abroad but also to welcome international players to showcase their destinations here in Malaysia,” he said.
The Minister further highlighted the importance of diversifying tourism offerings beyond traditional attractions, calling for greater emphasis on cultural heritage, eco-tourism, and nightlife experiences to meet evolving international expectations. He assured that the Ministry is working on regulatory improvements to ensure transparency, quality, and a family-friendly tourism environment.
The Global Travel Meet 2025 serves as a strategic platform for networking, business matching, and knowledge-sharing, paving the way for a more dynamic and competitive tourism industry in Malaysia. The Minister expressed confidence that next year’s GTM will be bigger and better, offering inbound and outbound opportunities under one roof, with participation from airlines, hoteliers, travel agents, and tourism stakeholders worldwide.
The launch of the Calendar of Events 2026 during the Gala Dinner also provided an exclusive preview of the exciting festivals, cultural showcases, and tourism activities lined up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, reinforcing Malaysia’s appeal as a diverse and vibrant destination.
The evening concluded with a strong message of unity and collaboration, with the Minister encouraging all stakeholders both domestic and international to work hand in hand in promoting Malaysia as a world-class travel destination.
