Tourism Malaysia appoints marketing representative for Oman

Tourism Malaysia has appointed VFS Global as its Marketing Representative agency in Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
This strategic partnership with VFS Global will strengthen Malaysia’s tourism presence in the West Asia region, marking a significant step towards enhancing Malaysia’s visibility and engagement in these high-potential markets to drive tourist visitorship to the country.

 The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries represent a highly important and growing source market for Malaysia’s tourism sector. In 2023, Malaysia welcomed 175,196 visitors from the West Asian region. In 2024, arrivals surged to 211,701, an increase of 20.8% compared to 2023, reflecting a strong growth trajectory. These markets consistently rank among the top five in tourist spending per capita and have a longer average length of stay, making them critical to Malaysia’s tourism growth strategy. Tourism Malaysia is gearing up for “Visit Malaysia Year 2026”, under the theme “Surreal Experiences.” The GCC markets are expected to contribute significantly to the destination’s visitorship and tourism receipts in 2026.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin, Director of Tourism Malaysia Dubai, said: “The West Asia region is a vital market for Malaysia’s tourism growth. By partnering with VFS Global, we aim to strengthen our outreach and deliver impactful campaigns that showcase Malaysia’s diverse attractions. This collaboration will help us build stronger connections with travelers and trade partners in Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait. In line with Visit Malaysia 2026, our strategies also focus on enhancing regional connectivity, including forging new airline partnerships, expanding direct flight access, and supporting seamless travel experiences for GCC visitors. These steps are essential to make travel to Malaysia more accessible and appealing for our target markets.”