Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 4, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / After an 18-year hiatus, Global Travel Meet 2025 returned to Kuala Lumpur with resounding success, reestablishing Malaysia as a key force in the global tourism industry. Held from October 3–6 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), the event welcomed over 1,000 delegates, including 600 international buyers, 400 exhibitors, and 100 media representatives from across the globe.

Organized by Tourism Malaysia, the business-to-business travel trade show served as a launchpad for the country’s ambitious Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) campaign, which aims to attract 47 million international arrivals and deliver high-impact, sustainable tourism growth.

A Gathering of Global Tourism Leaders
The Global Travel Meet 2025 brought together a dynamic mix of international leaders, innovators, and stakeholders. Delegates engaged in B2B sessions, business-matching activities, high-impact networking events, and familiarization trips (FAM trips) designed to highlight Malaysia’s cultural, natural, and experiential offerings.

Over 100 journalists from international media outlets provided global coverage, extending Malaysia’s visibility as a competitive destination. For local stakeholders, the event created an invaluable opportunity to position themselves on the global stage, connect with international buyers, and explore new avenues for collaboration.

“This event is more than just a marketplace; it is a catalyst where ideas transform into action,” remarked Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan, during the inauguration. “Global Travel Meet 2025 is about igniting momentum through collective effort—between government, industry players, and partners—towards achieving the ambitious goals of VM2026.”

Strong Trade Turnout and Global Industry Engagement
This year’s edition saw participation from over 45 countries, with hosted buyers representing both established and emerging markets including India, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.

Exhibitors spanned a wide spectrum of sectors — from airlines, hotels, and tourism boards to travel tech platforms, DMCs, and luxury tour operators. Notable names included:
• Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Berjaya
a Hotels & Resorts, Sunway Group, Genting Malaysia, and Desaru Coast
• State tourism offices from Sabah, Sarawak, Penang, Langkawi, Johor, and Kedah
• Tech-driven travel service providers
• Regional tourism boards
Exhibitors benefited from over 8,000 pre-scheduled appointments, dynamic networking sessions, and access to key media and buyer groups across various segments — including leisure, MICE, eco-tourism, and high-value experiential travel.

Exhibitors & Partners
“The quality of buyers exceeded expectations. We had serious business conversations, especially around eco-luxury travel and wellness. Malaysia is gaining ground as a premium destination.” said an exhibitor.

Strategic Support from Key Sponsors and Partners
Global Travel Meet 2025 was made possible through the support of Sponsors including Malaysia Airlines,  Air Asia, Batik Air, and official partners Starbucks, Jynns Trigona, and Telekom Malaysia. These sponsors hosted high-value sessions and facilitated key discussions around seamless travel, smart tourism, and aviation growth.

Launchpad for Visit Malaysia Year 2026
Global Travel Meet 2025 saw the official industry launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which will focus on sustainability, innovation, and authentic experiences. The campaign will be supported by a new B2B partner portal, expanded airline connectivity, and co-marketing initiatives with industry partners.

Key focus areas for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 include:
• Eco-tourism and nature-based travel
• Golf tourism and sports events
• Destination weddings and honeymoons
• MICE and corporate incentives
• Cultural heritage and community tourism

Looking Ahead: Visit Malaysia 2026 and Beyond
With VM2026 on the horizon, the Global Travel Meet 2025 served as both a launchpad and a confidence booster for Malaysia’s tourism ambitions. The campaign aims to attract 47 million international visitors, but beyond numbers, it emphasizes quality, sustainability, and inclusivity.

By 2026, Malaysia envisions itself not only as a tourism destination but as a thought leader in global tourism practices, balancing growth with preservation, tradition with innovation.

Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC)
During a presentation, ITC highlighted Malaysia’s leadership in Muslim-Friendly Tourism & Hospitality (MFTH), promoted the MFAR recognition programme and consultancy services, and strengthened Malaysia’s global visibility while expanding opportunities in the growing Muslim travel market.

As Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus summarized, “Global Travel Meet 2025 is the spark that will drive Malaysia’s tourism journey forward. With sustainability, culture, and innovation at our core, we are ready to welcome the world.”

Malaysia’s Tourism Future
The Global Travel Meet 2025 reinforced Malaysia’s position as a rising force in international tourism. By creating an environment where global and local stakeholders could collaborate, share insights, and form partnerships, the event laid the foundation for sustainable growth.

With the momentum from Global Travel Meet 2025 feeding into Visit Malaysia 2026, Malaysia stands poised to emerge as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, offering not just attractions, but meaningful, memorable experiences for travelers from every corner of the globe.

All photos by Travelindex Media Group