The Johor state government plans to broaden over 100 tourist programmes and activities for Visit Johor Year 2026 (VJY2026) and Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) in order to boost tourism growth and provide comprehensive, long-term economic benefits for the state.
Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, chairman of the State Housing and Local Government Committee, reportedly stated that the programmes will include festivals, sporting events, cultural activities, and ecotourism efforts, with the size projected to be two to three times greater than in previous years across Johor.
He added that key events scheduled for 2026 include the Kite Festival, Majestic Johor Festival, Ledang Climbathon, and many existing and new programs that will be implemented in stages throughout the year.
“New attractions for 2026 that are being and will be launched in the first and second quarters include the Tokoh Museum, Sungai Lebam Recreation Centre in Kota Tinggi, Kampung Sungai Melayu Paya Bakau Ecotourism, the Sungai Johor River Cruise and the Danga Bay Recreation Centre,” he said.
According to news reports, he was speaking at a press conference at the tourists’ welcoming ceremony held in conjunction with VJY2026 at Senai International Airport on 1st January 2026, Thursday.
Mohd Jafni pointed out that the state’s tourism industry is poised to support the efforts, with over 500 registered hotels offering two- to five-star accommodations and more than 8,000 rooms, excluding homestay facilities across the state.
He stated that the goal of attracting 12 million tourists with an estimated income of RM42 billion during VJY2026 is expected to result in economic spillover, including job creation and direct benefits to the hotel, food and beverage, transportation, and creative industries throughout the state.
According to Mohd Jafni, the event was held via three main ways of entrance – air, sea, and land – demonstrating Johor’s dedication to providing an inclusive and visitor-friendly tourism experience.
He stated that greeting activities for maritime arrivals took place at key ferry terminals like Puteri Harbour, Berjaya Waterfront, Pasir Gudang, Desaru Coast, and Kukup International.
For land arrivals, greeting festivities were held at JB Sentral for rail passengers arriving from Singapore, the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex at the Second Link, and the southbound Pagoh Rest and Service Area.
 and Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) in order to boost tourism growth and provide comprehensive, long-term economic benefits for the state.){kind=link}