Info Tourism, George Town (2026)

07/01/2026

Tourism safety in Indonesia has come under renewed scrutiny following the death of a Saudi tourist in a jet ski accident off Pelabuhanratu, West Java.

The incident adds to a series of recent fatal accidents involving both foreign and domestic tourists, prompting calls from lawmakers for stricter enforcement of safety standards across the country’s tourist destinations.

Authorities say safety and security must be treated as the foundation of tourism development, alongside efforts to boost visitor numbers and spending.

Read more at https://infotourism.my/tourism-safety-indonesia-saudi-tourist-jet-ski-accident/

04/01/2026

🌾✨ Selangor sets the pace for rural tourism in Malaysia

Selangor’s rural tourism blueprint is gaining recognition as a potential national benchmark ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), with experts highlighting its strong focus on community empowerment, sustainability and authentic village experiences.

From improved connectivity and visitor facilities to grassroots initiatives such as Desa Kirana in Sekinchan, the state’s approach balances modern urban growth with heritage preservation — while ensuring tourism benefits reach local communities.

As preparations for VM2026 gather momentum, Selangor’s blend of urban modernity and rural charm is positioning the state as a model for sustainable tourism development nationwide. 🇲🇾🌏

Read more at https://infotourism.my/selangor-rural-tourism-national-benchmark-vm2026/

01/01/2026

Malaysia has officially rolled out the red carpet for the world 🇲🇾✨

The Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign kicked off on New Year’s Day with a nationwide welcome held simultaneously at key international gateways and transportation hubs across all 13 states, marking a unified start to the country’s flagship tourism drive.

From Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Penang’s air, sea and land entry points, arriving travellers were greeted with cultural performances, warm smiles and VM2026-themed souvenirs, reflecting Malaysia’s hospitality and rich multicultural identity 🎭🎶

Tourism Malaysia said the campaign is more than a tourism promotion, positioning it as a nationwide movement that celebrates unity, diversity and creativity, while setting the tone for a vibrant year ahead.

With more than 300 events planned throughout 2026 — including major festive celebrations and iconic cultural festivals . Malaysia aims to attract 43 million international visitors and further strengthen tourism as a key driver of economic growth 🌏📈

As the country welcomes the world once again, VM2026 promises a year filled with Surreal Experiences that showcase the very best of Malaysia ❤️✈️

Read more at https://infotourism.my/nationwide-welcome-ushers-in-visit-malaysia-2026/

18/12/2025

✈️🌴 Danang eyes the future with a US$10 billion airport upgrade

The central Vietnam tourism hub plans a major expansion of Chu Lai International Airport to support rising travel demand, boost logistics and help welcome up to 30 million visitors by 2050. With more routes, more flights and bigger ambitions, Danang is gearing up for its next growth chapter. 🇻🇳🚀

Read more at https://infotourism.my/danang-us10b-chu-lai-airport-upgrade-tourism-growth/

18/12/2025

♟️🌏 Penang continues to make all the right moves on the global stage.

Penang is strengthening its reputation as an international hub for chess, sports tourism and world-class events, as the 17th Penang Heritage City International Chess Festival opens with more than 500 players from 19 countries competing in the state. ♟️✨

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai said chess plays an increasingly important role in Penang’s sports tourism ecosystem attracting international participants while positioning the state as a destination that values intellectual excellence alongside cultural and sporting vibrancy.

Penang’s credentials as a global chess destination continue to grow. Recent highlights include the successful ASEAN Plus Age-Group Chess Competition, involving participants from 20 countries, and the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship, which welcomed hundreds of young talents from across the region. These tournaments have not only raised competitive standards but also placed Penang firmly on the international mind-sports calendar 🌍♟️.

Beyond the chessboard, Penang has also demonstrated its strength in hosting major sporting events such as the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2025 🏃‍♂️🌉 the longest bridge run in Southeast Asia and the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (PIDBR) 2025 🐉🚣‍♀️, both of which delivered strong tourism and economic benefits for the state.

As Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaches, Penang stands ready to welcome the world with its unique mix of heritage, culture, food, creativity and sporting excellence. From UNESCO-listed George Town 🏛️ to its legendary street food 🍜, vibrant festivals 🎉 and growing portfolio of international events, the Pearl of the Orient continues to shine on the global stage.

Read more at https://infotourism.my/penang-strengthens-global-chess-and-sports-tourism-hub/

18/12/2025

🇯🇵✈️ Japan’s tourism and retail sectors are facing fresh headwinds as cancellations by Chinese travellers increase following Beijing’s advisory against travel to Japan. Hotels in major tourist hubs like Kyoto are cutting room rates for the first time in months, while department stores are reporting sharp drops in duty-free sales, especially from Chinese shoppers who traditionally make up a large share of spending. 🏨🛍️📉

With the Lunar New Year holiday approaching usually a peak period for inbound tourism industry players are growing increasingly concerned that the slowdown could deepen. Flights have been reduced, cruise stops cancelled and businesses are now racing to diversify their markets, shifting promotions towards Southeast Asia, Europe and the United States.

As Japan pushes towards its goal of 60 million foreign visitors by 2030, the current situation highlights the risks of over-reliance on a single market and the urgent need to attract a broader mix of high-spending and experience-driven travellers. 🌏🎎💼

Read more at https://infotourism.my/japan-hotels-retail-hit-by-chinese-tourist-cancellations/

18/12/2025

🌏✨ Penang tourism on a strong growth trajectory ✨🌏

Penang’s tourism sector is not just recovering it is entering a more mature and confident phase. In 2024 alone, the state welcomed more than 8.2 million hotel guests, while passenger movements at Penang International Airport rose to 7.22 million, signalling sustained regional and international confidence in the destination. ✈️🚢

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow says the focus now is on quality, distinctiveness and sustainability, guided by the Penang2030 vision. With the planned expansion of the airport set to boost connectivity and attract new international routes, Penang is positioning itself for higher-value, more meaningful tourism experiences. 🌿📚

As travellers increasingly seek authenticity, learning and responsible travel, Penang aims to strengthen its reputation as a hub for sustainable, knowledge-driven tourism — inspiring local enterprises to think globally and innovate boldly. 💡🌍

Read more at https://infotourism.my/penang-tourism-strong-growth-mature-phase-chow-kon-yeow/

10/12/2025

All aboard for a tourism boost! 🚆✨
The new Johor Bahru–KL ETS route is set to revive small-town travel, attract more visitors including Singaporeans and offer smoother, faster journeys with a 99% on-time record.

Enjoy 30% off ETS tickets from Dec 12 to Jan 11 with promo code JBBEST.

A big win for travellers, a bigger win for local tourism. 🌟

Read more at https://infotourism.my/johor-kl-ets-to-boost-small-town-tourism/

09/12/2025

Penang flies higher! ✈️

Batik Air has launched direct routes to Singapore and Medan, strengthening the state’s position as the northern aviation hub just in time for VM2026.

More links, more travellers and a major boost for tourism, business and medical travel.

Read more at https://infotourism.my/batik-air-expands-penang-hub-singapore-medan-routes/

05/12/2025

Sunway Carnival Mall has officially launched its “Cozy Cozy Christmas” celebration, unveiling a whimsical festive setup complete with cosy corners, playful décor and the debut of Twixy, the mall’s new festive mascot. Visitors can explore the fluffy snow-dusted bauble Christmas tree now the mall’s most popular photo spot and enjoy the Merry Mood Market curated by Hin Market of Hin Bus Depot from Dec 12 to Jan 4.

During the launch, Senior GM Chai Wen Yew also shared updates on the mall’s RM800mil transformation, which introduced top brands including Coach, Michael Kors, Jo Malone London and MLB, along with over 350 retail lots and 3,200 parking bays. The mall now targets 12 million annual visitors.

Chai further announced Sunway’s expansion in the northern region with Sunway Ipoh Mall, set to open in 2027 as Perak’s largest mall. Festive cheer, community moments and colourful Christmas magic await at Sunway Carnival Mall this season. 🎄✨

Read more at https://infotourism.my/sunway-carnival-mall-launches-cozy-christmas-with-twixy/

Sunway Carnival Mall

04/12/2025

Malaysia is widening its tourism focus beyond Asean as preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026 intensify, with new efforts targeting European and Central Asian markets.

MATTA and the Malaysia Tourism Federation say stronger federal–state collaboration and stricter regulations on short-term rentals are needed as the country aims for higher-value, longer-staying visitors by 2026.

Read more at https://infotourism.my/tourism-vm2026-markets/

02/12/2025

Penang’s cruise industry is set for a major boost as MV Piano Land officially selects Penang as its home port. The move, announced by the Penang Port Commission (PPC), will see eight home-port departures from Swettenham Pier a strong sign of confidence in Penang’s facilities and growing reputation as a regional cruise hub.

PPC says the home-porting programme is expected to generate new visitor traffic and create fresh economic spillover for tourism operators, small businesses and the wider local supply chain. Passenger volume at Swettenham Pier is also projected to climb sharply in the coming years, reinforcing Penang’s readiness to scale up cruise operations.

Read more at https://infotourism.my/penang-port-commission-secures-piano-land-home-porting-in-penang/

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