Kuala lumpur: Business events will be instrumental for Malaysia to achieve its targets of 35.6 million tourist arrivals and RM147 billion in total receipts during Visit Malaysia Year 2026, as well as a 16 per cent contribution to gross domestic product from the tourism sector during the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) period.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi highlighted that business delegates are high-value travellers, as they stay longer, spend more, make repeat visits, and often return with their families. “More importantly, business travellers bring with them ideas, investments, and influence,” he stated during his opening speech at the Business Events Awards Gala Dinner.

The tourism sector is resurgent and remains a key national priority, as noted by Ahmad Zahid. He mentioned that in 2024 alone, foreign tourist expenditure surged to RM102.2 billion, indicating that Malaysia’s appeal is not only intact but expanding.

Over the past decade, Malaysia has hosted more than 3,000 business events, drawing over a million delegates and generating an estimated RM18 billion in economic impact. Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the government recognizes the business events industry as a strategic engine for inclusive, sustainable, and high-impact growth.

Concrete steps are being taken by the government, including streamlining visa facilitation for high-frequency travellers and upgrading major airports and convention venues to meet global standards. Additionally, efforts are underway to deepen inter-agency collaboration, particularly between the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry.

Ahmad Zahid concluded by urging MACEOS to elevate their efforts, stating, “But infrastructure alone is not enough. To MACEOS, I urge you to rise even higher.”