Pahang Strengthens Position as One of Malaysia’s Leading Tourism Destinations

KUANTAN: The Pahang government continues to strengthen the state’s position as one of Malaysia’s leading tourism destinations through the organisation of the PATA Malaysia Inter-State Tourism Networking Forum and Pahang Domestic Travel Mart 2026 here today.

The event serves as a strategic platform to expand collaboration among tourism industry players, government agencies, tourism associations and industry representatives from various states, creating opportunities for the development of tourism packages and business partnerships.

Pahang Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee Chairman Leong Yu Man said the state government remained committed to ensuring that the tourism sector continued to grow sustainably and competitively, particularly in adapting to changing trends and the evolving needs of the tourism industry.

She said the organisation of such forums and business-matching programmes was crucial in strengthening strategic relationships between states, while encouraging knowledge sharing, the exchange of ideas and the development of more innovative tourism products.

“Close cooperation between the government, industry players and strategic partners is among the key factors in ensuring the continued growth of the tourism industry.

“Through platforms such as this, we can expand business opportunities, introduce new tourism products and enhance Pahang’s appeal in both domestic and international markets,” she said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Leong said Pahang possessed distinct advantages through its diverse tourism offerings, including highland destinations, beaches and islands, ecotourism, heritage, culture and community-based tourism, catering to various market segments.

In 2025, Pahang recorded 15.28 million tourist arrivals, with estimated tourism expenditure amounting to RM13.72 billion, reflecting visitors’ confidence in the tourism products and services offered in the state.

In the same statement, Tourism Pahang said the organisation of Pahang Domestic Travel Mart 2026 was also seen as a proactive measure to stimulate the domestic tourism sector through the participation of hotel operators, travel agencies, tourism product operators and tourism service providers.

Furthermore, continued collaboration with the PATA Malaysia Chapter and all relevant stakeholders is expected to create more economic opportunities for industry players, tourism entrepreneurs and local communities.

AWANI