MELAKA will roll out over 800 initiatives as part of its preparations to host World Tourism Day (WTD) and the World Tourism Conference (WTC) in September 2025, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced.
Among the planned offerings are exclusive accommodation promotions, RM10 entry tickets to selected tourist attractions, and RM10 lunch and dinner menus at participating restaurants.
“In the lead-up to WTD 2025, we are proud to launch more special programmes to attract tourists,” said Ab Rauf during the pre-launch ceremony for WTD 2025, WTC 2025, and the 17th anniversary of Melaka’s UNESCO World Heritage City designation held in Banda Hilir on Friday night.
Additional initiatives include premium golf packages across four major golf courses, the revival of traditional Malaysian games such as dam aji and konda kondi for younger travellers and families, and the addition of two boats to the popular Melaka River Cruise fleet to further enhance the river tourism experience.
Speaking on the state's tourism targets, Ab Rauf stated, “For Visit Melaka Year 2024, we’ve aimed to attract 13.9 million tourists. With our current promotional efforts, we expect more than 15 million visitors to Melaka.”
The event was attended by Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Melaka State Assembly Speaker Datuk Ibrahim Durum, State Secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad, along with ambassadors and high commissioners to Malaysia.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Global Meet Session at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), organised in partnership with Tourism Malaysia.
“We anticipate the participation of over 3,000 delegates from 159 countries and 500 private sector representatives from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), including global tourism leaders, policymakers, and international media,” said Ab Rauf.
He added that the range of initiatives being introduced is aimed at boosting connectivity, accessibility, and cultural engagement for both domestic and international visitors. - July 6, 2025
