Kangar: Several international-level events have been lined up for the Perlis State Tourism Events Calendar 2026, as part of efforts to enliven the Visit Perlis Year 2024-2026 (TMP 2024-2026), which aims to attract five million tourists to Perlis this year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah announced the international programmes, which include the Perlis International Sunnah Convention to be held from January 30 to February 1, the World Kite Festival@Perlis scheduled for February 10-11, and the Kuala Perlis International Water Festival set for September 4-6.
In addition to these international events, the calendar also features local events such as the Perlis Sauk Sotong Festival on January 24-25, the Pesta Angin Timur Perlis from February 6-8, and the Festival Rakyat 3.0 dan Citrawarna taking place from May 22-24.
Abu Bakar stated that the TMP 2024-2026 campaign has been reinvigorated with the slogan 'Hampa Nak Pi Mana? Mai Lah Perlis', focusing on five main segments: The Great Northern Escape (nature and adventure tourism); Agro-Tourism and Flavours of Perlis (gastronomy tourism); Rustic Charm and Slow Living (relaxation); Muslim-Friendly Offerings; and Border Crossings and Cultural Fusion (shopping and heritage).
He was speaking at the launch of Visit Perlis Year 2026 and the Perlis State Tourism Events Calendar 2026 at Dewan Warisan, where the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, officiated the event.
The launch was also attended by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and Raja Puan Muda Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.
Abu Bakar highlighted the establishment of the Tourism, Arts, Culture, Downstream and Heritage Bureau under the Perlis State Tourism, Arts and Culture portfolio, which will aid in coordination, advisory services, and the implementation of state tourism programmes.
He emphasized the importance of tourism as a key economic driver for the people of Perlis, urging collective efforts to develop, utilize, and preserve this sector for the benefit of future generations.