Perak aims to attract 10.5 million domestic and 1.2 million international tourists in 2026 by leveraging its natural beauty, heritage sites and adventure sports.
IPOH: Perak is banking on its natural beauty, world-class heritage sites and eco-tourism products to draw visitors for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
The state is targeting 10.5 million domestic tourists and 1.2 million international tourists this year.
State Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said these targets are supported by spillover visitors from main hubs, visa facilitation and major events.
“Various festivals, cultural exhibitions and international-standard tourism experiences have been carefully planned,” he told a press conference at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport.
He earlier officiated the welcoming of the earliest visitors to the state as part of the VM2026 initiative.
Loh reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to implementing VM2026 in line with federal aspirations.
He said Perak will work closely with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and Tourism Malaysia to ensure every initiative is effective.
On transportation, Loh noted domestic tourists generally use private vehicles or public transport.
He said international tourists tend to prefer walking or using e-hailing services in safe areas like Ipoh.
“Perak, particularly in Ipoh, is very safe. The people are also friendly and always smiling,” he said.
Key attractions highlighted include Gua Tempurung, Kellie’s Castle, the Kuala Kangsar royal palace, the Teluk Intan Leaning Tower and Lenggong.
Regarding closed geopark areas like limestone caves, Loh said visitor safety is paramount.
He said such areas will only reopen once upgrading works are completed and safety is fully assured.
“We would like to thank these responsible operators as they prioritise visitor safety,” he said.
Meanwhile, Australian tourist Alan Anderson, 48, said he chose Ipoh due to his family roots and its famous local cuisine.
“I’ve been here a couple of times and the thing I always remember is the food — it’s just amazing,” he said.
Anderson added that his flexible plans would likely include leisure and outdoor activities like climbing Kledang Hill.
