Tourism Malaysia and vivo Form Strategic Partnership to Boost Visit Malaysia 2026

Tourism Malaysia and Vivo have signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to initiate a strategic partnership aimed at elevating Malaysia’s global tourism appeal ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). This collaboration brings together technology, innovation, and creative content to enhance how Malaysia is showcased to the world.

Through this partnership, both organisations will work closely to strengthen Malaysia’s international visibility by combining Tourism Malaysia’s marketing capabilities with Vivo’s advanced mobile imaging technology. The initiative aims to highlight Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings through high-quality, visually engaging content that resonates with digital-first travellers.

Mr. Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia, stated that the collaboration underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving national tourism goals. He added that with Vivo’s support, the country can better showcase its cultural richness and natural beauty, inspiring more tourists to visit during VM2026. Mr. Mike Xu, Chief Executive Officer of Vivo Malaysia, shared that innovation should enrich people’s experiences, and through this partnership, Vivo aims to help more travellers discover Malaysia’s unique stories and attractions using its technological strengths.

Tourism Malaysia and Vivo will embark on joint promotional efforts aligned with the national target of welcoming 47 million visitor arrivals for VM2026. These efforts include collaborative content creation, co-branded marketing campaigns, and promotional initiatives designed to enhance Malaysia’s visibility across key international markets.

Vivo will also amplify the VM2026 message through its extensive global communication network, especially in markets where it has strong presence such as China, India, and Southeast Asia. By leveraging Vivo’s expertise in mobile photography and consumer technology, the partnership aims to inspire travellers through compelling visuals and storytelling that capture Malaysia’s landscapes, cultural heritage, and modern attractions.

Malaysia’s tourism industry continues to show strong momentum. Between January and August 2025, the country recorded 28.2 million international arrivals, marking a 14.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. On 1 January 2026, Tourism Malaysia will welcome international visitors simultaneously across 52 entry points nationwide to mark the beginning of VM2026.

The signing of this MoC represents a significant step in Malaysia’s tourism revival strategy, showcasing the nation’s readiness to welcome global travellers and solidifying its position as a must-visit destination in the region.