As Malaysia accelerates its preparations towards Visit Malaysia 2026, digital creators are increasingly becoming part of the country’s tourism engine – and the recently concluded VM2026 Creators Onboard programme is a clear reflection of that momentum.
Organised by Tourism Malaysia, the second edition of the initiative ran from Dec 10 to 12, bringing together 50 carefully selected social media influencers and digital creators who have consistently championed Malaysia’s travel narrative online.
The creators took part in a curated 3-day, 2-night journey across Desaru Coast, Johor, experiencing a mix of eco-tourism, heritage and adventure-based attractions. This content-rich approach aligns closely with how today’s travellers discover destinations: through authentic, first-hand digital storytelling.
Among the highlights were visits to Lebam River Cruise, Tanjung Balau Birdwatching, immersive stargazing sessions, Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum, Ostrich Farm Desaru, and ATV farm tours at Desaru Fruit Farm. The programme also included a Canon Digital Workshop at The Els Club Desaru Coast, allowing creators to sharpen their photography and videography skills while capturing Johor’s biodiversity and natural landscapes.
The programme concluded with an appreciation dinner at The Westin Desaru Coast, themed “VM2026 Creators On Board: Malaysia Through The Screen” – a fitting nod to the role creators play in translating Malaysia’s tourism diversity into compelling visual stories for global audiences.
Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, said the initiative underscores the importance of creators in shaping Malaysia’s destination branding.
“By providing influencers with firsthand experiences and collaborative activities, we are enabling them to share authentic stories that showcase the beauty, culture and diversity of our country to the world,” he said, expressing confidence that such efforts will strengthen Malaysia’s positioning ahead of VM2026.
This edition was supported by strategic partners including Lembaga Kemajuan Johor Tenggara (KEJORA), Canon Malaysia and Desaru Coast Travels Sdn Bhd, alongside the #MYTravelNation community initiative — reinforcing a collaborative ecosystem between public agencies, brands and content creators.
Aligned with Visit Johor 2026 and national targets to attract 47 million international visitors by 2026, the VM2026 Creators Onboard programme highlights a growing reality: tourism promotion today is no longer just about brochures and billboards, but about trusted voices, real experiences and stories that travel far beyond the screen./LOCCO
