@Halal R&R - Rest & Rehlah March/April 2026 | Page 9

March-April. 2026
Tourism
09
Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF VISIT JOHOR 2026
First Major Campaign in Over 20 Years
Visit Johor 2026 marks the first largescale tourism campaign since 2003, aiming to position Johor as a vibrant, inclusive destination and attract 12 million visitors, generating RM42 billion in tourism receipts.
Comprehensive Tourism Offerings

‘ Meh Lah Johor!’

Visit Johor 2026 brings to life the state’ s diverse offerings

VISIT Johor 2026 is a year-long initiative designed to position the state as a vibrant and inclusive destination, aiming to attract 12 million visitors and generate RM42 billion in tourism receipts. The campaign brings together Johor’ s diverse offerings- from islands and eco-tourism to culture, gastronomy, education, and MICE( Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), with a strong focus on providing authentic, memorable, and Muslim-friendly travel experiences.

“ For Johor, Islamic tourism is a natural part of our identity. The state is home to more than 1,000 mosques, and Muslim-friendly elements are embedded throughout the entire travel experience to ensure visitors feel comfortable wherever they go,” said Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim, Director of Tourism Johor.
“ For 2026, we are focusing on ensuring halal compliance across food and beverage establishments. We are encouraging operators of F & B outlets to obtain halal certification, working closely with the Johor Islamic Religious Department( JAINJ) to target approximately 700 to 800 certified establishments. This guarantees that
travellers can confidently enjoy halal dining during their stay.
“ In terms of tourism products, Johor offers unique Islamic-focused cultural experiences. One example is the private initiative Galeri Aura Islam, which showcases artefacts originating from Makkah and Madinah, dating back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad.
“ We have developed the Visit Johor 2026 website and app. These platforms, powered by AI, help travellers locate halal restaurants, nearby mosques, prayer facilities, Muslim-friendly hotels, and other services, making navigation and planning easier, especially for families.”- RnR
Johor Heritage Centre.
Scan Me
Eco-tourism in Kampung Sungai
Melayu.
The campaign covers a wide range of experiences, including culture, nature, islands, sports, education, MICE, gastronomy, and Islamic tourism, emphasising Johor’ s unique heritage and hidden gems.
Enhanced Accessibility and Promotion
New infrastructure improvements, expanded transport options, direct international flights( e. g., Kunming to Johor), upgraded hotels, national parks, museums, and a robust marketing strategy, including social media, billboards, videos, mascots, and theme songs, are all designed to make visiting Johor easier and more appealing.
Targeting Chinese and Muslim Travellers
Johor is actively promoting Muslimfriendly services and cultural experiences, with halal-certified restaurants and facilities, while targeting over two million Chinese tourists this year via new flight routes and curated travel experiences focused on culture, history, and ecotourism.
Celebrating Gastronomy and Cultural Heritage
Visit Johor 2026 highlights the state’ s rich culinary and cultural offerings. Visitors can savour traditional dishes such as laksa Johor, explore local markets and shopping hubs, and experience Johor’ s heritage through arts and performances, including the traditional Zapin dance, ensuring an authentic immersion into Johor’ s flavours, traditions, and cultural vibrancy.
Integration of Technology for Seamless Travel
Visit Johor 2026 has launched a dedicated website and mobile app- Visit Johor 2026, featuring AI-enabled tools to help visitors easily locate halal restaurants, prayer facilities, Muslimfriendly hotels, and nearby attractions, ensuring smoother navigation and a more family-friendly experience throughout Johor.