​Tourism Malaysia London has appointed Mr. Sulaiman Suip as its new Director, marking a strategic move to bolster Malaysia’s tourism industry ahead of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).

With extensive experience in international tourism promotion across key markets such as India, Japan, and Thailand, Mr. Suip is poised to enhance Malaysia’s presence in the UK market, attracting more visitors in the lead-up to VM2026.​

Strengthening Malaysia’s Appeal in the UK

The United Kingdom has consistently been one of Malaysia’s largest European markets, with British travelers drawn to the country’s diverse offerings—from vibrant cities and lush rainforests to pristine beaches and immersive cultural experiences.

Under Mr. Suip’s leadership, Tourism Malaysia London aims to strengthen partnerships with the UK travel trade, focusing on collaborations with tour operators, travel agents, and key industry players to elevate Malaysia’s presence, especially with VM2026 on the horizon.​

Visit Malaysia Year 2026: A National Vision for Tourism Growth

VM2026 is a national initiative aimed at revitalizing Malaysia’s tourism industry and showcasing the country’s diverse cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and immersive travel experiences to the world.

As a key pillar of Malaysia’s National Agenda, VM2026 aspires to welcome 35.6 million international visitors and generate RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts, benefiting not just the travel industry but also hospitality, retail, transport, and local communities.

Strategic Initiatives Leading Up to VM2026

In preparation for VM2026, Malaysia has launched several strategic initiatives:​

1. Launch of VM2026 Campaign: On 6 January 2025, Malaysia unveiled the VM2026 campaign, introducing the official logo, mascot, theme song, and aircraft livery. The Malayan Sun Bear, an endangered species symbolizing Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation, was adopted as the official mascot. ​
2. Strategic Partnerships: Tourism Malaysia has forged collaborations with key industry players to enhance connectivity and visitor experiences. Notably, a partnership with Mastercard aims to transform the traveler experience through data insights, the development of a Travel Malaysia app, and exclusive offers, positioning Malaysia as a key destination in the Asia Pacific region. ​
3. Malaysia Mega Sale 2024: Launched on 7 June 2024, this initiative aims to promote Malaysia as a premier shopping destination and revitalize the national economy. The sale involves leading retailers and shopping malls across Malaysia, offering significant discounts to attract both domestic and international tourists. ​

Embracing Sustainable and Experiential Tourism

Today’s travelers seek meaningful, experiential holidays, and Malaysia is uniquely positioned to deliver this through its eco-tourism initiatives, sustainable tourism efforts, and enriching homestay experiences that allow visitors to connect with local communities and nature.

The VM2026 campaign emphasizes sustainability and cultural preservation, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

Conclusion

The appointment of Mr. Sulaiman Suip as the Director of Tourism Malaysia London signifies a strategic effort to strengthen Malaysia’s appeal among UK travelers.

With comprehensive initiatives leading up to VM2026, Malaysia is set to take center stage as a must-visit destination for UK travelers and tourists worldwide in 2026 and beyond.