ISTANBUL, 18 April 2025 – Tourism Malaysia Istanbul proudly launched the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign today at the Colors of the World event held in Yenikapi, Istanbul. The launch was officiated by the Consul General of Malaysia in Istanbul, Mr. Ahmad Amiri Abu Bakar, who unveiled the campaign’s official logo, mascot, and theme song.

The VM2026 logo, a symbol of Malaysia’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and global appeal, serves as a visual representation of the country’s readiness to welcome tourists from around the world.

Adopted as the campaign’s official icon, the Malayan Sun Bear, a proud and endangered species, reflects Malaysia’s deep commitment to wildlife conservation. Designed in a lovable, animated style, the mascot is intended to resonate with audiences of all ages, evoking a sense of warmth and joy while enhancing Malaysia’s image as a welcoming and family-friendly destination.

Official VM2026 theme song, titled Surreal Experiences which captures the essence of Malaysia’s unique offerings. This song will be a key component of the campaign to attract global attention and engage visitors with the enchanting experiences Malaysia has to offer.

Tourist arrivals from Türkiye to Malaysia have seen a remarkable surge, increasing from 17,275 in 2023 to 23,986 in 2024, a 38.8% growth marking the highest number of Turkish arrivals in over 12 years and surpassing the 20,000 milestone for the first time.

Malaysia continues to attract travellers with its diverse attractions—from the white sandy beaches of Langkawi and the crystal-clear waters surrounding Mabul Island in Sabah, a renowned diving haven, to the lush green rainforests of Sarawak. Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital, offers a mix of cultural richness, world-class shopping, and a food scene that is second to none.

As a multicultural country, Malaysia is a melting pot of traditions and flavours. Its gastronomy is among the top draws for tourists, with food and beverages (F&B) ranking in the top three areas of tourist expenditure, alongside shopping and accommodation.

The continued growth of tourism in both Malaysia and Türkiye relies on mutual interest and collaboration. The support of the travel industry, media, and all stakeholders is vital in creating sustained demand and promoting both countries as top travel destinations.

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About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene.

The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nation's tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

Furthermore, Tourism Malaysia actively endorses the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), working towards the realisation of the IMT-GT Visiting Year 2023-2025, with the shared aim of promoting the region as a unified tourism destination. For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.

For enquiries, please contact:

Norshariza Mohd Saad
Deputy Director
Corporate Communications Division
norshariza@tourism.gov.my
Tel: +603 8891 8775

Ibrahim Cagri
Marketing Manager
cagri@tourism.gov.my
Tel: +90 212 284 4431
Harman Sokak, Harmanci Giz
Plaza No.5 Kat 20
34394 Esentepe Sisli
Istanbul, turkeye