Tourism ministry to hold emergency meeting to assess impact of regional conflict on VM2026 campaign and formulate new promotional strategies.

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry will convene an emergency meeting tomorrow to review strategies for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing acknowledged the situation could impact the country’s tourism promotion efforts, particularly concerning markets from the affected region.

He stated the ministry expects some disruption but will formulate new strategies following the internal discussion, promising to announce the outcome afterwards.

Tiong made these remarks after attending a Ramadan iftar event at Mengkuang Titi Homestay, which was organised by Tourism Malaysia to bolster the VM2026 campaign.

The minister confirmed the ministry is closely monitoring disruptions to flight schedules involving several major airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways.

These airlines have adjusted operations due to airspace closures in conflict zones following recent regional hostilities.

Tensions have risen significantly since February 28 after attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran prompted retaliatory strikes by Tehran against US interests in Gulf countries.

Tomorrow’s ministerial meeting will also explore alternative promotional strategies designed to offset any potential negative impacts on tourist arrivals.

The earlier iftar programme aimed to promote Malaysia as a destination rich in culture, tradition and social harmony to about 2,000 attendees.

Activities included visits to Ramadan bazaars, participation in mosque events and the serving of traditional dishes like bubur lambuk, nasi briyani and roti jala.

 The Sun Malaysia