Kuala lumpur: Tourism Malaysia and KL Hop-On Hop-Off operator Elang Wah Sdn Bhd today launched a domestic tourism campaign using the iconic sightseeing buses to stimulate local travel ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing emphasized that domestic tourism remains a crucial pillar of the nation's tourism industry. It significantly contributes to local economic growth, job creation, and community development. The minister highlighted that the collaboration with KL Hop-On Hop-Off encourages Malaysians to rediscover attractions and unique offerings within their cities, while also strengthening industry participation and enhancing the quality of tourism products and services under VM2026.

The initiative includes six KL Hop-On Hop-Off buses featuring specially designed wraps that highlight major tourism destinations across 15 states and federal territories. Prominent sites like the Sri Sendayan Mosque in Negeri Sembilan and the Pinnacles of Mulu in Sarawak are among the featured attractions. The bus wraps also incorporate interactive QR codes directing passengers and onlookers to VM2026 travel deals, the official Calendar of Events (COE), and state tourism promotional websites.

The campaign is launched on the back of strong performance in the domestic tourism sector. In 2025, the sector recorded a 21.3 percent increase, attracting 290.1 million visitors compared to 260.1 million in 2024. Additionally, the total domestic tourism expenditure rose by 13.3 percent to RM121.0 billion last year from RM106.7 billion in 2024.