Tourism Malaysia replaced the previous organization that oversaw matters pertaining to tourism, The Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia (TDC), which existed from August 1972 to May 1992.
In September 2006, Tourism Malaysia signed a £2 million deal with Manchester United in an effort to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2007. Prior to that, Tourism Malaysia had a deal with Chelsea F.C..
Dato' Sri Azalina Othman Said, who is also the Minister of Tourism, is the current chairman of Tourism Malaysia.