Mumbai: Malaysia celebrated its 67th Independence Day — also known as “Merdeka Day” (Freedom Day) and National Day (Hari Kebangsaan) with Tourism Malaysia (India) highlighting the country’s remarkable journey of growth, unity and progress in its six-decades transformation into one of South-east Asia’s most dynamic and prosperous nations.

Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia, New Delhi, said here recently that Malaysia, in preserving its rich cultural heritage while embracing modernity and innovation, highlighted its vibrant tourism sector through its offerings of adventure, relaxation and cultural enrichment.

Tourism Malaysia unveiled its strategic roadmap for “Visit Malaysia 2026” in which it aims to attract 35.6 million tourists and generate RM147.1 billion in receipts.

Noting that Malaysia’s tourism industry has grown exponentially while also enhancing its global reputation, Noriah Jaafar, Director, Tourism Malaysia, Mumbai, said this roadmap would be highlighting Malaysia as a top tourist destination through

strategically creating demand, increasing traffic, and prioritising key target markets.

Razaid Bin Abd Rahim, Director, Tourism Malaysia, Chennai also highlighted a quiz contest on social media from August 27 to August 31 in which participants showed their knowledge about Malaysia including its historical milestones, landmarks, influential leaders, national symbols and modern achievements.

The Visit Malaysia Year 2026 will commemorate the sustainability of the nation’s tourism industry, which is also in line with the “United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

Tourism Malaysia is actively endorsing the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand ‘Growth Triangle’ (MT-GT) with the shared aim of promoting the region as a unified tourism destination.