Asia's most loved country unveils campaign to attract Thai tourists

By VNA July 3, 2025 | 04:36 pm PT

Saloma Bridge, a popular tourist attraction in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo courtesy of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board

Malaysia has launched a major promotional campaign in Thailand to draw more Thai travelers ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), aiming to position the country as the top destination for sustainable and inclusive travel experiences.

VM2026 highlights Malaysia's wide-ranging tourism assets, including eco-parks in Sabah and Sarawak, UNESCO heritage sites, vibrant multicultural urban experiences, and tranquil coastal retreats, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said during the launch of the event in Bangkok on Tuesday.

Malaysia is focusing on seamless accessibility, improved infrastructure, and sustainability-driven experiences that meet the changing preferences of modern travelers, he stated, adding that Thailand and Malaysia boast a strong friendship rooted in shared cultural values, people-to-people connections, and robust cross-border trade.

He underscored that as Southeast Asia recovers in the post-pandemic era, tourism is regaining its status as a critical pillar for regional economic revitalization.

Malaysia, named Asia's most loved country in 2024 by the American finance website Insider Monkey, received 13.4 million international visitors from January to April this year, marking a 21% increase compared to the same period last year.

Of these, over 833,600 visitors were from Thailand, representing a 3.4% year-on-year rise and solidifying Thailand's status as a key market.