Melaka: The selection of Melaka as the host for the launch of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) is considered an honor and a recognition for the state government, stated Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. The state government is preparing to launch over 800 tourism products to support the VM2026 campaign, ensuring Melaka remains a top tourist destination.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Ab Rauf emphasized that Melaka's selection as the host is not only a recognition but also a catalyst for the rapid growth of the state's tourism industry, which will benefit the people of Melaka, the local economy, and national revenue. He expressed gratitude for the federal government's support and trust in choosing Melaka for this significant event.

These remarks were made during the National Level Aidilfitri MADANI 2025 Celebration Ceremony at the Melaka International Trade Centre, attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Mohd Ali Rustam, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and his deputy Teo Nie Ching.

Ab Rauf also mentioned that Melaka would host several other major events, including the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC), World Tourism Day, World Tourism Conference, National TVET Day Celebration, and the Annual Informal Meeting of Religious Ministers of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore (MABIMS).

The success of Visit Melaka Year 2024 resulted in over 15 million tourists visiting the state, representing a 74.21 percent increase from 2023 and generating RM12.68 billion in tourism income. The state government plans to continue the Visit Melaka Year initiative through 2026, aligning with the national goal of attracting 35.6 million tourists to Malaysia.