Speaking to TTG on Tuesday (3 June), Hamidi announced the government’s intention to increase the number of UK travellers from the 345,000 recorded last year to 500,000 in 2026.
Length of stay, the deputy prime minister said, was also expected to grow further than the 9.1 night average recorded in 2024.
“We’re working with tour operators and agents in the UK to encourage [travellers] to spend more time in Malaysia,” he said.
The deputy prime minister’s comments come as Tourism Malaysia has unveiled a raft of products as part of its newest marketing campaign, Visit Malaysia 2026, which aims to attract 45 million international visitors in 2026.
The campaign was built on several strategic pillars – including a focus on sustainable tourism and cultural experiences as well as an increase in connectivity.
Hamidi said sustainable and cultural tourism efforts would focus on expanding eco-tourism and community-led initiatives such as the homestay programme, where tourists can immerse themselves in Malaysian culture by staying overnight in a traditional village.
Connectivity between the UK and Malaysia improved following the return of British Airways (BA) daily flights between London and Kuala Lumpur in April this year.
BA also expanded its codeshare partnership with Malaysia Airlines, which currently operates twice-daily services between the two capitals.
However, the deputy prime minister pledged to add more connections and expand Malaysian Airlines’ reach to other UK cities such as Manchester.
TTG understands additional flights are still at the discussion stage, with further announcements expected for early next year.
To help agents sell longer stays, Tourism Malaysia is set to launch tailor-made marketing campaigns, knowledge-sharing sessions and an expanded fam trip programme starting in September.
“This year, we’re hosting three fam trips and we’re optimistic about expanding that number next year, especially as we look ahead to the momentum building for Visit Malaysia 2026,” added Tourism Malaysia London director Sulaiman Suip. “While plans for additional trips are not yet confirmed, we’re actively exploring opportunities.”
