Tourism Malaysia Highlights Community-Based Tourism Under Visit Malaysia 2026
Tourism Malaysia organised the Eid al-Adha Celebration Package Showcase at Homestay Sarang Buaya in Muar, Johor, as part of efforts to promote cultural and experiential tourism under the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
The programme included a familiarisation trip involving seven travel agents from Singapore along with five local and international media representatives. The initiative aimed to showcase Malaysia’s community-based tourism experiences and strengthen its appeal as a destination for cultural and Muslim-friendly travel.
Industry Partners Support the Programme
The event was organised in collaboration with Islamic Tourism Centre and Homestay Kampung Sarang Buaya.
Tourism officials stated that the partnership supports efforts to promote immersive cultural experiences to visitors from Singapore and other international markets.
Eid al-Adha Experiences Showcase Local Traditions
The programme introduced a specially designed Eid al-Adha tourism package that allows visitors to experience village life and local traditions.
Activities included:
- Meat-cutting demonstrations linked to the qurban tradition
- Community food preparation activities known as merewang
- Guided village tours
- Cultural exchange opportunities with local residents
Tourism Malaysia said these experiences provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Malaysian customs and community life.
Homestay Programme Continues to Expand
According to Tourism Malaysia, the Malaysian Homestay Experience Programme continues to grow across the country.
As of March 2026, more than 250 homestay clusters were operating across nearly 600 villages, supported by over 3,500 registered operators.
During the first quarter of 2026, the programme recorded 176,376 visitor arrivals.
This included 160,390 international visitors and 15,986 domestic travellers.
The programme generated approximately RM12.93 million in tourism receipts during the same period.
Community Tourism Supports Local Economies
Tourism officials noted that the homestay initiative contributes to rural economic development while helping preserve local traditions and cultural heritage.
The programme also supports community-based tourism by creating tourism opportunities directly within villages and local communities.
Singapore Remains a Key Tourism Market
Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said Malaysia continues to focus on tourism experiences that allow visitors to connect with local communities, culture and traditions.
He added that authentic and community-driven tourism products help enhance visitor experiences while supporting local economic activity.
Tourism Malaysia reported that Malaysia welcomed 21.1 million visitors from Singapore during 2025, representing an increase of 11.8% compared to the previous year.
The tourism board identified Singapore as one of its most important source markets, particularly for Muslim-friendly tourism segments.
Visit Malaysia 2026 Focuses on High-Value Tourism Segments
Tourism Malaysia said it will continue promoting high-value tourism categories including Muslim-friendly tourism, cultural tourism, experiential travel and community-based tourism.
The organisation will also continue working with industry partners to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a destination for meaningful and culturally immersive travel experiences.
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