Tourism Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign is gaining significant momentum as the organization amplifies its promotional efforts in Central Asia, with a particular focus on Uzbekistan. This initiative, designed to enhance Malaysia’s market presence and prepare the country for its major tourism year in 2026, is becoming a key element of the nation’s strategy to solidify itself as a premier Muslim-friendly destination. As the country positions itself for growth in the region, the campaign has been welcomed by Uzbek travelers and tour operators, marking an important step in fostering cross-cultural tourism between Malaysia and Central Asia.

The Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign officially kicked off with impactful tourism seminars and B2B networking sessions held in Tashkent and Samarkand on June 11 and 13, 2025. These sessions, designed to strengthen Malaysia’s ties with Central Asian travel operators, were organized to deepen the understanding of the tourism offerings available in Malaysia. The event also emphasized Malaysia’s readiness to cater to the specific needs of Muslim tourists, a growing segment in the region. By collaborating with key local organizations such as the Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (MICA), Uzbekistan Airways, and the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), the campaign aims to foster closer cooperation between the two regions and drive higher visitor numbers in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

The campaign’s structure is specifically designed to attract the interest of Uzbek tourists by offering customized travel packages that are tailored to the region’s cultural and religious preferences. By doing so, Tourism Malaysia hopes to position Malaysia as a relevant and attractive travel destination for Central Asian travelers who are seeking culturally aligned, value-driven travel options. Through this approach, the campaign not only aims to enhance Malaysia’s market share in the region but also establishes the country as a go-to destination for Muslim-friendly tourism.

The campaign highlights targeted B2B networking sessions, where Malaysian vendors certified under the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) program engaged with travel operators from Uzbekistan. These sessions introduced a wide range of Muslim-friendly travel options, including Islamic cruises, Halal-certified hotels, and Shariah-compliant hospitality services. By offering these specialized services, Malaysia is positioning itself as a destination that is not only accessible but also culturally and religiously considerate, allowing Muslim tourists to enjoy their travels while maintaining adherence to Islamic practices.

The sessions also emphasized Malaysia’s dedication to delivering authentic and respectful travel experiences for Muslim tourists. From Halal dining options to prayer facilities and Islamic cultural experiences, Malaysia’s tourism infrastructure is increasingly being designed to meet the unique needs of Muslim travelers, making the country a leading destination for this growing market.

At the heart of the campaign’s success is the leadership of Mr. Mohd Akbal Setia, the Director of International Promotions for America, Europe, and Oceania at Tourism Malaysia. During his keynote address, Mr. Setia outlined the importance of Central Asia, and Uzbekistan in particular, within Malaysia’s broader tourism growth strategy. The growing number of Uzbek tourists visiting Malaysia is a testament to the success of previous initiatives, and the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign builds on this momentum to expand Malaysia’s reach even further. Mr. Setia highlighted Uzbekistan’s strategic role as a growing tourism market, making it a key priority for Tourism Malaysia in their preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

In addition to Uzbekistan, other Central Asian markets are increasingly contributing to Malaysia’s tourism sector. In 2024, Malaysia welcomed 39,159 visitors from Kazakhstan, 7,545 from Turkmenistan, 6,167 from Kyrgyzstan, and 2,537 from Tajikistan. These figures highlight the growing regional interest in culturally aligned travel experiences, an area in which Malaysia has considerable expertise. As Malaysia continues to attract visitors from across Central Asia, the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign is working to ensure that the country remains at the forefront of Muslim-friendly tourism in the region.

The campaign’s success is also supported by the collaboration of key stakeholders, including airline partners and diplomatic missions. Uzbekistan Airways, as one of the country’s key airline partners, has been instrumental in helping to establish direct air links between Malaysia and Uzbekistan, making it easier for Uzbek travelers to visit Malaysia. Additionally, the involvement of the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) underscores Malaysia’s commitment to promoting tourism that is in line with Islamic values, ensuring that the country’s tourism offerings are accessible and appealing to Muslim tourists.

The Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign is not just about increasing visitor numbers; it is about creating long-term relationships with Central Asian travel operators and providing travelers with a truly personalized experience. By focusing on cultural exchange and understanding, the campaign seeks to showcase Malaysia as a country that offers much more than just its iconic beaches and cultural heritage – it is a destination that respects the values and traditions of its Muslim visitors. This approach is expected to strengthen the country’s position as a leading Muslim-friendly tourism hub in the years leading up to 2026.

Tourism Malaysia is strategically positioning the country to welcome an increasing number of visitors from Central Asia, with the goal of leveraging the global spotlight on Visit Malaysia Year 2026 to create a lasting impact. The partnership with key stakeholders, including the Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association (MICA), Uzbekistan Airways, and the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), further solidifies Malaysia’s standing as a destination of choice for Muslim travelers in the region.

In summary, the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign in Uzbekistan plays a crucial role in Malaysia’s overarching strategy to enhance its footprint in Central Asia and establish itself as the leading destination. destination for Muslim-friendly tourism. By offering customized travel experiences that cater to the unique cultural and religious preferences of Central Asian travelers, Malaysia is poised to see continued growth in the region as it heads towards its major tourism year in 2026. Through collaboration, strategic partnerships, and a focus on inclusivity, Tourism Malaysia is laying the foundation for a successful and sustainable future in the Central Asian market.

The post Malaysia Tourism Drives Major Strategic Expansion in Uzbekistan, Enhancing Its Market Presence and Preparing for a Landmark Year in 2026 with Visit Malaysia Campaign: Here’s All You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.