AT NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

MANILA, 1 JANUARY 2026 – The Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign officially
begins with a send-off ceremony for Malaysia Airlines passengers flight MH807 on the
Manila-Kuala Lumpur route, coordinated by the Embassy of Malaysia Manila through its
Tourism Malaysia Office in collaboration with Malaysia Airlines.
His Excellency Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, the ambassador of Malaysia to the
Republic of the Philippines, attended the ceremony at Manila Ninoy Aquino International
Airport Terminal 1 alongside Mr. Mohd Faizal Sharip, the Tourism Attaché, Mr. Nor Jufri
Nizar Edrus, the Deputy Chief of Mission and Ms. Diana Cher Lacsamana Batica, the Sales
Manager of Malaysia Airlines.
The delegation also took the opportunity to meet the cabin crew and share aspirations
regarding Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and expressed gratitude for their role in welcoming
visitors to Malaysia.
At the boarding gate, 157 passengers received a warm welcome and presented with
souvenirs commemorating Visit Malaysia Year 2026 as a gesture of hospitality for their
departure to Malaysia with the assistance and support from Airport Station Head of
Malaysia Airlines Philippines, Mr Michael Vince Betron.
Malaysia Airlines currently operates the Manila-Kuala Lumpur route with 21 weekly
flights, while its sister airline Firefly, operates the Cebu-Kuala Lumpur route with 5
weekly flights.
As part of the VM2026 campaign, Malaysia will roll out a year-long calendar of more
than 300 events highlighting the nation’s multicultural identity, artistic heritage, and
festive traditions. Key highlights include the VM2026 Chinese New Year Festival,
VM2026 Aidilfitri Festival, VM2026 Deepavali Festival, VM2026 Christmas Fest, as well
as iconic cultural celebrations such as the Tadau Ka’amatan Festival and Gawai Festival.
These curated events offer immersive experiences ranging from cultural parades and

culinary showcases to traditional performances, spiritual observances, and community-
led festivities throughout the year.

Malaysia aims to attract 47 million international visitors through the VM2026 campaign,
in line with efforts to strengthen tourism as one of the nation’s key economic drivers.
With its theme song “Surreal Experiences,” the campaign promises a vibrant year-long
programme of festivals, cultural showcases, exhibitions, community celebrations, and
uniquely Malaysian experiences.
Leveraging Malaysia’s strong potential as a world-class tourist destination, Visit Malaysia
2026 is expected to boost tourist arrivals while generating employment, enhancing the
country’s global image, and delivering economic benefits to local communities. The
campaign will also strengthen cultural appreciation and stimulate growth across multiple
sectors beyond tourism, including hospitality, transportation, retail, and the gastronomy
industry.