LOS ANGELES – Tourism Malaysia via its Los Angeles office in collaboration with China Airlines, has successfully organised a five-day luxury familiarisation (FAM) trip with 10 North American travel trade professionals. Held from 11-15 October 2026, the programme showcased the country’s diverse luxury offerings across Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang.
The delegation included representatives from leading North American tour operators and travel agencies, including Arrangements Abroad, Remote Lands, Audley Travel and Morris Murdock Escorted Tours.
From January to September 2026, Malaysia welcomed a total of 248,382 visitors from the United States of America (USA), marking a steady 4.1% growth from 238,564 visitors during the same period last year. This encouraging performance is expected to continue with the strong promotional efforts by Tourism Malaysia via its Los Angeles office.
Tourism Malaysia remains committed to elevating the nation’s profile as a premier, top-of-mind luxury destination for the North American market. By continuously fostering strategic partnerships with key travel trade professionals and aviation partners like China Airlines, Tourism Malaysia aims to drive sustainable tourism growth and welcome more international travellers to experience the unmatched hospitality and diverse attractions of Malaysia.
Five-day FAM Trip Expected to Malaysian Itineraries for North American Travellers
The five-day trip began in Kuala Lumpur, offering participants an immersive introduction to the capital’s cosmopolitan vibrancy, iconic landmarks, and premium luxury hospitality. Simultaneously, the delegation engaged in strategic networking sessions with key Malaysian tourism stakeholders, forming partnerships designed to drive future business collaborations within the North American market.
Heading up to northern Malaysia, the delegation discovered Langkawi’s blend of natural beauty and upscale experiences, including a cruise through Kilim Geoforest Park, a visit to the Langkawi SkyBridge and a sunset catamaran cruise experience. The programme concluded in Penang, where the group explored George Town, one of Malaysia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and experienced Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage through a hands-on cooking class.
Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia’s Los Angeles office, Madam Linawati Ismail said: “From the bustling life of Kuala Lumpur to Geopark in Langkawi and the heritage streets of George Town, our partners saw how easily Malaysia combines city, island and culture in one journey. We are confident that the connections forged and inspiration drawn from this familiarisation trip will soon translate into extraordinary, bespoke Malaysian itineraries for North American travellers.”
This successful familiarisation trip coincides with highly encouraging international recognitions. Malaysia was recently highlighted by National Geographic in its prestigious “Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2027” list, which prominently described the beauty of Penang; whilst Frommer’s named Kuala Lumpur as one of its “Best Places to Go in 2027”.
