Malaysia will officially become the next host for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 after a handing-over session at Landmark Hotel, Vientiane, Laos in conjunction with ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2024. The handing-over serves as another milestone for Malaysia, marking its return to hosting ATF since the last event in 2014 in Kuching, Sarawak.

Receiving the handing-over baton was the Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia himself, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, accompanied by Dato’ Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, Secretary General of Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia; Dato’ Dr. Ammar Bin Abd. Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia; and H.E. Ambassador Edi Irwan bin Mahmud, Malaysian Ambassador to the Lao PDR. Also present were Excos from the states of Perak, Melaka, and Johor, as well as local media and tourism industry players.

“We warmly welcome all of you to our country as we foresee this as an important and timely event for Malaysia, especially as we gear up for the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year set to take place in 2026. It is our hope that Malaysia will be your next destination to explore as we have a bit of everything for everyone,” said Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

“Malaysian Government, especially MOTAC together with the State Government is working to strengthen our tourism industry by improving tourism destinations infrastructure, increasing direct flights to Malaysia, implementing Visa On Arrival and to strengthen Muslim- friendly tourism,” he added.

Malaysia is honoured once again to host ATF 2025 and it is even more significant as Malaysia will also become the chairman of ASEAN in the same year. Known for its rich culture and biodiversity, Malaysia has plenty to offer its visitors from all walks of life, from its friendly people and intertwined traditions, unique culinary delights, to its breathtaking natural ecosystem.