Tourism Malaysia Eyes Bangladesh Growth with Strong VM2026 Campaign Drive
Desk Report
| Published: Thursday, April 09, 2026
image: Oheduzzaman Titu
Tourism Malaysia has stepped up its promotional drive for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign through active participation in Dhaka Travel Mart 2026, being held in the capital from April 9 to 11.
Marking its 14th appearance at the travel fair since its inception in 2002, the Malaysian delegation is led by Solehuddin Ahmad, Deputy Director of the International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa). The delegation includes representatives from Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council and Education Malaysia Global Services, alongside tour operators and airline partners.
As global travel demand evolves, Malaysia is expanding its tourism offerings to appeal to a broader range of travelers. Special emphasis is being placed on niche sectors such as medical tourism, educational tourism, and eco-tourism, targeting visitors from Bangladesh and the wider South Asian region.
Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, said Bangladesh remains a key market. He noted that the agency is committed to strengthening its presence and working closely with regional stakeholders to drive the VM2026 campaign forward.
Participation in Dhaka Travel Mart is seen as a strategic move to boost Malaysia’s visibility, highlight its diverse tourism products, and deepen partnerships with Bangladeshi counterparts.
Malaysia recorded 42.19 million international visitor arrivals in 2025, including 281,492 visitors from Bangladesh—an increase of 82.1% year-on-year, signaling strong recovery and growing interest in the destination.
In terms of connectivity, there are currently 41 direct weekly flights between Dhaka and Malaysia, offering around 11,340 seats. These routes are operated by Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, AirAsia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and US-Bangla Airlines.
The VM2026 campaign highlights Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism, aligning with global development goals while showcasing the country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant travel experiences.