Kelantan has set an ambitious target of welcoming 12 million visitors to the state during Malaysia’s Year of Visit 2026, state tourism officials announced as arrivals were welcomed at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport.
Datuk Kamaruddin Md. Noor, chairman of the State Committee for Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage, said the state government will stage 52 programmes throughout the year to meet the target. The activities will be organised in partnership with private and public stakeholders and are designed to draw both domestic and international travellers.
“Historically about 90 per cent of our visitors have been domestic and only 10 per cent international,” Kamaruddin told reporters. “This year we are targeting a larger share of foreign visitors and working to convert visitors who might previously have used Kelantan merely as a transit point into overnight guests.”
Kelantan tourism plans for 2026
The state intends to amplify its appeal by expanding events and improving transport links. Officials believe that a richer calendar of cultural, culinary and heritage programmes will give international tourists more reason to stay in Kelantan rather than travel directly to other destinations.
Key among the transport initiatives is a new ferry service to Pulau Perhentian, operated from a Kelantan port beginning in March. Previously, international visitors bound for the Perhentian Islands typically used the Besut jetty in neighbouring Terengganu. The new route will offer travellers an alternative departure point and is expected to ease travel logistics and encourage longer stays in Kelantan.
Local officials say the ferry link will also distribute tourism income more widely across the region. By creating a direct connection from Kelantan to the islands, small businesses such as guesthouses, restaurants and tour operators in the state should see increased demand.
Kamaruddin noted that the 52 programmes to be staged during the Year of Visit will range from festivals and arts presentations to targeted promotions aimed at international markets. The state plans to work closely with national tourism bodies, travel industry partners and community organisations to implement the schedule and monitor visitor flows.
“We have to change perceptions,” he said. “Many foreign visitors have treated Kelantan as a stopover en route to Pulau Perhentian. With carefully planned events and better access, we expect more of them to choose Kelantan as a destination in its own right.”
Tourism stakeholders welcomed the announcement, noting the potential economic benefits. Extended visitor stays tend to generate higher spending on accommodation, dining and local attractions, which in turn supports jobs and small enterprises. The timing of the new ferry service is likely to be a focal point of promotion in the months ahead.
Kelantan’s strategy aligns with the broader national campaign to showcase Malaysia in 2026. By combining an expanded events programme and improved transport links, state officials hope to secure a larger share of international arrivals while maintaining strong domestic interest.
The incoming Year of Visit offers Kelantan an opportunity to present its cultural heritage, markets and coastal gateways to a wider audience. Officials said they will track progress against the 12 million visitor target as the year unfolds and adjust promotional efforts to maximise impact.
Key Takeaways:
- Kelantan aims to attract 12 million visitors in 2026 through 52 year-long programmes.
- Authorities plan to boost international arrivals and encourage overnight stays rather than transit visits.
- New ferry service to Pulau Perhentian from Kelantan begins in March to improve connectivity.
- Kelantan tourism will involve public-private cooperation and targeted marketing to domestic and foreign tourists.
