Anticipating a surge in visitor numbers during Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Malaysian inbound operators interviewed at PATA Travel Mart 2025 are planning to expand into new markets and introduce new products to capitalise on the year-long campaign, which is targeting 47 million tourist arrivals.
Alvin Lim, director of sales for Borneo Nature Tours, said the company plans to expand the market reach of its flagship property, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, to include Asian markets such as China, India, South Korea, and Japan. This will help diversify the lodge’s visitor base, which has primarily been promoted to European markets.
“We see significant potential in the Asian markets due to accessibility and shorter travel times,” Lim told TTG Asia.
He added that the expansion will also help raise awareness of Borneo’s unique biodiversity and conservation efforts among a new audience. The Borneo Rainforest Lodge is the only accommodation option within the Danum Valley Conservation Area.
Starting next year, Paradesa Borneo plans to expand its tours to cater to non-cyclists, said the company’s sales and marketing manager, Casandra Bong.
“We have received feedback and requests for non-cycling tours and have already started our groundwork preparations which will be rolled out in 2026,” she shared.
Paradesa Borneo, currently Sarawak’s only operator for specialised cycling tours, aims to make exploration of the region’s natural beauty, wildlife, culture, heritage, and food more accessible to a wider range of travellers.
Fariz Khan Zamurad Khan, senior sales manager at Putrajaya Leisures & Services Group, said the group will work closely with Tourism Malaysia to promote its tourism offerings in Putrajaya to international markets.
He also revealed plans to open an Indian food outlet in Putrajaya by the end of 2025, a timely initiative in view of the anticipated influx of Indian travellers next year. Currently, there are no Indian restaurants in Putrajaya, Fariz said.
