As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape travel patterns worldwide, Tourism Malaysia and Dorsett Hotels Malaysia are strengthening their domestic tourism push through family-focused experiences, special hotel packages and the popular Wira & Manja campaign.
KUALA LUMPUR, 9 June — Tourism Malaysia and Dorsett Hotels Malaysia have launched a nationwide domestic tourism campaign featuring immersive Wira and Manja-themed family rooms, as the agency intensifies efforts to strengthen local travel amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties affecting international tourism.
The “Jom Cuti! Bersama Wira & Manja” campaign, launched in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), marks a strategic collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and Dorsett Hotels Malaysia aimed at encouraging Malaysians to rediscover destinations closer to home while supporting the country’s tourism industry.
Speaking at the launch, Tourism Malaysia Director-General Muhammad Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim described domestic tourism as the backbone of Malaysia’s tourism sector, particularly during periods of global instability.
He acknowledged that recent tourism indicators have become less encouraging amid developments in the Middle East and other international markets, making domestic travel an increasingly important buffer for the industry.
Domestic Tourism
“Domestic tourism has always helped sustain the sector during times of crisis. After the Covid-19 pandemic, local travellers played a significant role in supporting hotels and tourism businesses nationwide,” he said.
Amirul added that Tourism Malaysia is recalibrating some of its promotional strategies in response to ongoing uncertainties affecting the Middle East market, while placing greater emphasis on domestic travel and key regional markets such as China, India and Southeast Asia.
He also revealed that initiatives under Visit Malaysia 2026 will continue into 2027 to ensure sustained momentum for the national tourism campaign.
A key highlight of the collaboration is the introduction of specially designed Wira and Manja-themed rooms across Dorsett’s participating hotels nationwide.
Immersive Experience
Inspired by Malaysia’s tropical rainforests and wildlife, the rooms transform conventional hotel stays into an interactive family experience. During a media preview, guests were treated to a room featuring floor-to-ceiling rainforest murals, jungle-inspired furnishings, themed bedding, plush mascots, children’s play corners and educational elements centred on Malaysia’s biodiversity.
The concept draws heavily on the conservation message behind Wira and Manja, the official sun bear mascots of Visit Malaysia 2026.
By incorporating wildlife themes into the guest experience, Tourism Malaysia hopes to strengthen awareness of environmental conservation while making travel more engaging for younger visitors.
Dorsett Malaysia Vice Chairman Datin Jasmine Heng Abdullah said the hotel group was honoured to partner with Tourism Malaysia on an initiative that celebrates local exploration and family togetherness.
“Through ‘Jom Cuti! Bersama Wira & Manja’, we hope to inspire Malaysians to create lasting memories while discovering destinations across the country,” she said.
The campaign covers Dorsett’s network of 13 hotels nationwide, including properties in Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, Putrajaya, Johor Bahru and Labuan.
Participating hotels will offer special promotional packages featuring discounts of up to 30 per cent off standard room rates, RM50 dining vouchers, family-friendly activities and a unique 26-hour stay concept that allows guests greater flexibility in their check-in and check-out times, subject to availability.
During the media briefing, Dorsett representatives said the flagship Sun Bear-themed family room package is currently priced from approximately RM480 nett for a two-day, one-night stay, complete with connecting family rooms, breakfast and themed experiences designed specifically for families with young children.
Effort by Tourism Malaysia to Sustain Tourism Growth
The partnership also forms part of Tourism Malaysia’s broader efforts to sustain strong tourism growth in the midst of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Malaysia welcomed 42.2 million visitors in 2025, representing an 11.2 per cent increase compared with 2024. The first quarter of 2026 recorded 10.6 million visitor arrivals, a 5.4 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year.
Tourism Malaysia believes campaigns such as “Jom Cuti! Bersama Wira & Manja” will help maintain momentum by encouraging Malaysians to explore the country’s attractions while supporting local hotels, restaurants, tour operators and tourism-related businesses.
With its combination of affordable family packages, immersive themed accommodation and conservation-focused storytelling, the campaign aims to position domestic travel not merely as an alternative to overseas holidays, but as a compelling experience in its own right. – NMH
Datin Hasnah is the co-founder and CEO of New Malaysia Herald based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With an extensive background in mass communication and journalism, she works on building up New Malaysia Herald and it’s partner sites. A tireless and passionate evangalist, she champions autism studies and support groups.
Datin Hasnah is also the Editor in Chief of New Malaysia Herald.
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