KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 – Tourism Malaysia has partnered with KL Hop-On Hop-Off operator Elang Wah Sdn. Bhd. to launch a new domestic tourism campaign aimed at encouraging Malaysians to rediscover local attractions while building momentum for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

The campaign was officially launched during a flag-off ceremony at the KL Hop-On Hop-Off Kiosk in Plaza Sungei Wang by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

Designed to promote domestic travel, the initiative encourages both locals and international visitors to experience Kuala Lumpur through the city's iconic sightseeing buses while supporting the broader goals of Visit Malaysia 2026.

Speaking at the launch, Tiong said domestic tourism continues to play a vital role in Malaysia's tourism industry by driving economic growth, creating jobs and supporting local communities.

He said collaborations between the public and private sectors not only encourage Malaysians to explore attractions closer to home, but also help strengthen the tourism industry by enhancing the quality of products and services offered under Visit Malaysia 2026.

"Kuala Lumpur remains one of Malaysia's key tourism gateways, offering a unique blend of heritage, culture, gastronomy, retail and contemporary urban experiences," he said.

He added that accessible tourism products such as KL Hop-On Hop-Off will help improve destination visibility, encourage greater visitor engagement and diversify tourism experiences across the capital.

As part of the campaign, six KL Hop-On Hop-Off buses have been transformed into moving showcases featuring attractions from all 15 Malaysian states and federal territories.

The bus wraps highlight iconic destinations including Negeri Sembilan's Sri Sendayan Mosque and traditional Minangkabau house, as well as Sarawak's Pinnacles of Mulu and the country's iconic hornbill. QR codes on the buses also provide easy access to Visit Malaysia 2026 information, including the Calendar of Events, travel packages, promotions and Tourism Malaysia's official digital platforms.

The initiative comes amid continued growth in Malaysia's domestic tourism sector. In 2025, the country recorded 290.1 million domestic visitors, a 21.3% increase compared to the previous year. Domestic tourism expenditure also rose by 13.3% to RM121 billion.

Tourism Malaysia believes the collaboration will further increase destination awareness, stimulate visitor movement across Kuala Lumpur and generate greater economic benefits for local businesses and tourism stakeholders.

As Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026, the campaign reflects the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening the tourism ecosystem while encouraging more people to discover the country's diverse attractions.