Melaka: The Melaka government is aiming to attract over 19 million tourists next year as part of the Visit Melaka Year 2.0 (VMY 2.0) initiative, announced Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. A comprehensive plan featuring 225 tourism events, including nine major programs, has been designed to draw in both local and international visitors, potentially generating tourism revenue of RM20 billion.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, engagement sessions have been conducted with key stakeholders such as hoteliers, travel agents, tourism associations, and the aviation sector. These sessions focused on discussing promotional strategies, government incentives, and business-matching opportunities that can be leveraged throughout VMY 2.0. Additionally, Ab Rauf revealed that several new initiatives will be introduced, with details to be announced in the 2026 Melaka State Budget during the State Assembly sitting on December 5.

The major tourism programs planned for VMY 2.0 include a variety of cultural and festive events. Among them are the Chinese New Year celebration from February 10 to March 10, 2026, the commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of the Federation of Malaya on February 20, 2026, the Raptor Watch 2026 Challenge from March 6 to 8, 2026, and the Melaka Government Aidilfitri Open House on March 28, 2026.

Additional events feature the Melaka International Air Carnival and the Melaka Rainforest Festival, both scheduled for June 26-28, 2026, the Rentak Bertandak Festival from July 3-7, 2026, the Melaka Heritage Festival marking the 18th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage City listing from July 5-7, 2026, and the Tanjung Bidara Beach Festival from September 11-13, 2026.

Ab Rauf emphasized that the array of tourism events planned for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) will contribute significantly to enhancing both state and national-level tourism activities. The VMY 2.0 is set to be officially launched on December 31 at Encore Melaka, coinciding with the 2026 New Year celebration.