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KLTA to Embrace ASEAN Chairmanship and VMY2026 with Exciting Events and Programs
The Kuala Lumpur Tourism Association (KLTA) is gearing up to enhance Malaysia’s tourism landscape over the next two years, aligning its initiatives with two significant national priorities: the ASEAN chairmanship and Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).
In a recent discussion, KLTA President Syed Azhar Syed Nadzir shared insights into their strategic plans. The association is collaborating with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall to identify opportunities for upgrading popular tourist destinations in the capital. This initiative is aimed at accommodating the expected surge in visitors during these major events. ” We will also improve existing products and we encourage our members who want to introduce new attractions such as museums and so on. We will help in terms of coordination with the government, licence applications and so on, including with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,” he explained.
Syed Azhar made these remarks during the KLTA Exclusive High Tea Industry Networking event, attended by around 250 industry professionals. In the same development, Syed Azhar said there were also plans to organise the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Award at the end of next year.
“In this regard, we are preparing tourism standard guidelines that will be used as a yardstick for the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Award, so we will ensure that these guidelines are fully completed by June next year,” he said.
As for the content of the programs and events planned for the ASEAN chairmanship and VMY2026, Syed Azhar mentioned that they are still in the refining stage, with about 30 to 40 percent of the plans complete. He expressed optimism that the details would be fully developed by early next year.
On the government’s recent budget allocation of nearly RM550 million aimed at boosting tourism promotions for VMY2026, he acknowledged it as a positive step but expressed a desire for additional funding to further enhance promotional efforts.
“We very much welcome if there is a grant from the government, we will apply and will help members to apply for the grants introduced,” he said.
Furthermore, regarding the statement from Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, urging hoteliers to consider extending check-in and check-out times to at least 23 hours, Syed Azhar called for more dialogue on the subject to explore practical solutions.
With these initiatives, KLTA is poised to play a pivotal role in not only elevating Malaysia’s tourism profile but also creating a vibrant and engaging experience for visitors in the years to come.