By Rafiq Vayani
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia today officially opens the Global Tourism Meet 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, welcoming over 600 international buyers, 100 media representatives, and 400 Malaysian tourism sellers for a high-impact, three-day business event poised to elevate the nation’s global tourism standing.
Hosted by Tourism Malaysia, the event is a strategic platform to spotlight Malaysia’s unique tourism offerings—from eco-adventures and cultural heritage to world-class hospitality and gastronomy—as the country ramps up towards its ambitious Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, which aims to attract 47 million international visitors.
Speaking at the opening, YB Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, emphasised the event’s broader mission, Global Tourism Meet 2025 is more than just an event; it is a platform where ideas are transformed into action. This event stands as a vital catalyst in igniting renewed energy and driving strong momentum into the year ahead.”
Delegates will engage in tailored B2B sessions, networking activities, business matching, and immersive familiarisation trips across Malaysia, enabling deeper industry collaboration and first-hand discovery of the country’s tourism potential.
The event is made possible through strategic partnerships with key airlines—Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air—and tourism bodies including the Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (MICA) and Malaysian Indian Tour & Travel Association (MITTA).
Tourism Malaysia reports a continued surge in international arrivals, with 38.0 million visitors in 2024—a 31.1% rise from 2023 and an 8.3% increase over pre-pandemic 2019. This upward trend is set to strengthen as Global Tourism Meet 2025 galvanises stakeholders in preparation for VM2026.
