BINTULU: Tourism Malaysia has intensified its efforts to promote the nation’s tourism and cultural sectors through the organisation of the Chinese New Year 2026 Celebration at Bintulu Airport on Tuesday.

The programme, held from 10am to 1pm, was not merely a festive celebration but also served as a strategic platform to strengthen the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign by showcasing the uniqueness of Malaysia’s cultural heritage to visitors arriving in the division.

Arrivals from both within the country and abroad were welcomed in a vibrant and colourful atmosphere, reflecting Malaysia’s image as a friendly, harmonious tourism destination rich in cultural diversity.

The event commenced with a symbolic Yee Sang tossing ceremony, representing unity, prosperity and wellbeing, in line with VM2026’s aspiration to foster a spirit of togetherness among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic communities as well as visiting tourists.

A lion dance performance at the arrival hall became a key highlight of the celebration, introducing elements of Chinese art and tradition to newly arrived visitors.

In addition, an exhibition of Malaysia’s traditional attire offered guests the opportunity to appreciate the country’s diverse ethnic costumes, further reinforcing Malaysia’s standing as a cultural tourism destination.

The official Visit Malaysia 2026 mascots, Wira and Manja, added to the festive cheer with special themed appearances, providing an engaging attraction for photography sessions with visitors.

Several morning arrivals from Kuala Lumpur and Kuching were greeted with lively receptions, illustrating the continued commitment to enhancing the arrival experience for tourists in Bintulu.

The organisation of such programmes underscores Tourism Malaysia’s determination to strengthen culture-based tourism and reinforce Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination ahead of VM2026. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng