Tourism Malaysia Launches Edu+ Programme to Enhance Educational Travel: Know about the latest updates

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Tourism Malaysia, under the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has officially launched its eagerly awaited edutourism programme, Edu+. The initiative is designed to attract foreign students, especially those under 16, who hold tourist visas, offering them the chance to participate in short-term education programmes while vacationing in Malaysia.

Created in collaboration with the National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI), an organization with over 36 years of expertise, Edu+ exemplifies the synergy between tourism and education, presenting unique opportunities for learning experiences within Malaysia’s rich cultural landscape.

Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan emphasized Malaysia’s vast potential in this niche tourism segment. “As a country rich in diversity, history, arts, and culture, Malaysia is poised to leverage Edu+ to attract young tourists eager to explore the uniqueness of the country,” he said. The ministry anticipates approximately 10,000 students enrolling in the programme this year, generating an estimated RM50 million in revenue.

This launch aligns with the broader Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which aims to attract 23.5 million tourists and generate RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts. The Edu+ initiative is set to contribute significantly to Malaysia’s tourism goals, reinforcing the nation’s position as a preferred destination in the region.

Who Can Benefit from Edu+ and What It Offers

The Edu+ programme is designed to foster cultural exchange, educational enrichment, and tourism growth, promoting Malaysia as a learning destination. Initially, it targets the Japanese market, with plans to expand to other high-potential regions like Korea, China, Russia, and Vietnam.

The programme focuses on teaching English in Malaysia’s educational institutions, but it also includes a wide range of experiences:

• Cultural and heritage learning
• Collaborations with local schools
• Homestay experiences
• Sports tourism
• Eco-tourism and nature-based activities
• Sustainable Development Goals programmes

To date, 19 private educational institutions and eight travel agencies have committed to offering Edu+ packages, enhancing Malaysia’s appeal as an educational hub for foreign students.

Building Malaysia’s Edutourism Future

The Edu+ programme stands at the intersection of education and tourism, helping Malaysia tap into the growing global trend of educational travel. With the backing of NAPEI and Tourism Malaysia, this initiative is well-positioned to drive Malaysia’s tourism industry forward, drawing in both students and their families for immersive cultural and educational experiences.