KUCHING: Travellers arriving at Kuching International Airport (KIA) today were greeted with a festive Hari Raya Aidilfitri atmosphere as Tourism Malaysia stepped up efforts to enhance first impressions under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
Officiated by Tourism Malaysia Board of Directors member Synthia Law Wan Chin, the welcoming programme formed part of simultaneous celebrations held across nine airports nationwide.
At KIA, arriving passengers were received with festive souvenirs, traditional delicacies and cultural performances, transforming the Arrival Hall into a lively showcase of Malaysia’s multicultural identity.
Law said such initiatives are a recurring strategy by Tourism Malaysia to mark major festivals at key entry points into the country.
“We want visitors, especially international travellers, to immediately feel welcomed when they arrive, and to experience Malaysia’s hospitality from the very first moment.”
She added that the programme also serves to position Malaysians as informal ambassadors, reflecting the warmth and diversity that define the nation’s tourism appeal.
According to her, similar welcoming initiatives were carried out earlier this year during New Year and Chinese New Year, with more planned for upcoming celebrations, including Gawai.
The event also featured appearances by VM2026 mascots Wira and Manja, as well as live demonstrations of batik canting, highlighting Malaysia’s traditional craftsmanship.
The programme was supported by multiple stakeholders, including agencies under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), airlines, corporate sponsors and tourism industry players.
KIA was expected to receive more than 1,000 passengers on Monday, including international arrivals from Singapore and Indonesia, alongside domestic travellers from Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.
“For Sarawak, based on previous trends, we are seeing an average of about 100,000 visitors monthly, which can go up to 200,000 during festivals,” she said.
She also expressed confidence in Sarawak’s appeal as a safe and attractive destination, noting no significant concerns affecting inbound tourism to the state.
The airport activation is part of Tourism Malaysia’s broader strategy to strengthen destination branding, create meaningful arrival experiences and encourage repeat visits in the lead-up to VM2026.
