TOURISM MALAYSIA HOLDS AIDILFITRI RECEPTIONS FOR TRAVELLERS AT NINE AIRPORTS NATIONWIDE

JOHOR BAHRU, March 23 (Bernama) -- In conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, Tourism Malaysia today welcomed the arrival of domestic and international travellers simultaneously at nine major airports nationwide with festive Aidilfitri receptions.

Held at major airports including in Johor, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Perak, Sabah and Sarawak, the receptions were not merely celebrations, but also part of Tourism Malaysia’s two-pronged strategy under the VM2026 campaign.

In Johor, at Senai International Airport, the arrival of tourists from Bangkok, Thailand, as well as domestic travellers, was welcomed in a traditional Aidilfitri atmosphere. They were also presented with goodie bags containing kuih kapit, sponsored by Desaru Fruit Farm, beverages and official VM2026 souvenirs.

bootstrap slideshow

The festive atmosphere was further enlivened with traditional gambus performances, cultural dances, joget lambak and a dodol-making gimmick, which are synonymous with Aidilfitri celebrations.

Adding to the merriment, the official VM2026 mascots, Wira and Manja, also appeared in festive attire, and provided interactive photo opportunities, further enhancing the experience of visitors arriving in the country.

Tourism Malaysia Administration Division director Amirul Ariffin Md Nasir said such an approach reflects Malaysia as a country which celebrates diversity, where differences are embraced through the festive spirit shown in every celebration observed by the various communities.

“This is an aspiration expressed by the MADANI Government, to show the world that Malaysia always welcomes the arrival of tourists with smiles and joy, and that Malaysia reflects unity in all aspects. This approach will also continue with other festive celebrations,” he said, at a press conference after the programme, here.

Also present were Johor MOTAC director Nurazlin Abu Talib; Senai International Airport general manager Noor Safura Suib; and Desaru Fruit Farm Johor owner Alice Tong.

Meanwhile, Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd (SATSSB) chief executive officer Kennedy Ayu, in a statement, said that airports are not merely transportation hubs, but also the first impression for visitors to a destination.

He said the organisation of festive activities at airports is part of Tourism Malaysia’s ongoing strategy, under the VM2026 campaign, to provide meaningful arrival experiences, strengthen destination branding, and promote Malaysia as a culturally rich, safe and visitor-friendly tourism destination.

He added that the initiative at international entry points is also capable of leaving a positive impression on visitors, and encouraging repeat visits.

Through the organisation of such celebrations, Tourism Malaysia continues to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a global tourism destination, while celebrating the country’s cultural diversity in line with the objectives of VM2026, and supporting the sustainable development of the tourism sector.

--BERNAMA