Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid says Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaigns must be tailored to specific tourist segments, not generic, to ensure effectiveness.
KUALA LUMPUR: Promotional strategies for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 must be tailored to specific tourist groups to ensure campaign effectiveness.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said marketing approaches should not be generic, as each tourist segment has different interests.
“It must be followed up with subsequent actions,” he told reporters after flagging off participants of the Malaysia Night Music Run.
He said the campaign cannot rely on a single form of publicity and must be aligned with the respective target groups.
Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the VM2026 Cabinet Committee, also stressed the importance of sporting events like marathons in attracting foreign tourists.
He expressed admiration that the run attracted over 5,000 participants, exceeding the initial target of 3,000.
“It is hoped that many international participants will take part in marathons like this,” he said.
He added that good publicity for such events would help increase foreign tourist arrivals and generate economic activity.
Ahmad Zahid also commended the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Tourism Malaysia for organising familiarisation trips.
These trips for wholesalers, retailers, airlines and media practitioners aim to strengthen tourism promotion comprehensively.
Earlier, the KL10 event, a 10-kilometre run involving over 2,000 runners, was flagged off by Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud.
