The Malaysia National Tourism Board announced that to promote the “2026 Malaysia Tourism Year,” it recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the YTL Hotels Group, formally establishing a strategic partnership. The two parties will collaborate on joint promotional initiatives, committed to positioning Malaysia as the premier tourism destination in Southeast Asia.
Under the collaborative plan, the Malaysia National Tourism Board will integrate resources with the YTL Hotels Group. Through brand synergy, cross-industry marketing, and other initiatives, leveraging the tourism board's destination marketing network alongside the group's 35 distinctive hotels, the partnership aims to comprehensively elevate Malaysia's global image among travelers. This will enhance the country's tourism competitiveness in international markets and jointly advance the national goal of welcoming 47 million visitors by 2026. Additionally, the YTL Hotels Group will leverage its public relations agencies across China, the UK, the US, Australia, Europe, Singapore, and South Korea to further promote the Malaysia Tourism Year 2026.
Notably, both parties plan to jointly create uniquely captivating travel experiences that fully showcase Malaysia's abundant tourism resources, world-class accommodation, and distinctive hospitality. Dato Mark Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Hotels, expressed anticipation that this collaboration will further convey the brand philosophy of “Precious Places, Precious Moments” and progressively introduce remarkable travel experiences to attract global visitors to Malaysia. He also mentioned that YTL Hotels recently completed its first hotel investment in New Zealand—the 225-room Indigo Hotel Auckland. As the group continues expanding its global footprint, Malaysia's visibility in key tourism markets will be further elevated.
In transportation, from January to October 2025, weekly round-trip flights between China and Malaysia reached 502, with total capacity exceeding 100,000 passengers. Effective November 1, 2025, the Xiamen route has increased from three to four weekly flights. Beginning January 9, 2026, the Chengdu-Kuala Lumpur direct route will resume operations with one daily flight. Malaysia Airlines also plans to expand its China network to seven destinations by early 2026, offering 60 weekly round-trip flights.
Malaysian tourism operators note that since the mutual visa-free arrangement between China and Malaysia took effect on July 17, 2025, the number of direct flights between the two countries has significantly increased, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. These routes now cover major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, and Chengdu, with flight seat occupancy rates consistently above 80%. Demand for business class seats has also notably risen. In preparation for Malaysia Tourism Year 2026, multiple travel agencies plan to launch diverse in-depth tour itineraries and innovative products, such as culturally immersive and emotionally resonant themed trips, to meet the increasingly sophisticated travel demands of post-80s and post-90s consumer groups.
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Congxiao
Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
