MALAYSIA is set to take the global spotlight once again as it hosts both the World Tourism Day (WTD) 2025 and the World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2025 in Melaka, marking a major milestone in its tourism diplomacy.
Running from today until Monday, the event is organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the Melaka state government.
Bernama reported today that it will be the second time Malaysia plays host to the World Tourism Day, the last occasion being in 2004.
The selection of Melaka — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — underscores the state’s growing international recognition as a premier tourism destination.
Centred on the theme “Tourism and Green Transformation”, this year’s WTD gathers over 150 delegates and representatives from member countries to chart a forward-looking agenda for global tourism, with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity and innovation.
With WTD 2025 expected to attract 16.5 million tourists and generate an estimated RM23.48 billion in tourism revenue, the event is also poised to further solidify Melaka’s standing as a regional tourism hub.
In support of the core programme, a series of cultural and community-driven events have been curated. These include the International Kite Festival, traditional dance showcases such as zapin, and the Pesta Konda Kondi Melaka 2025 — a celebration of traditional Malaysian games.
The Melaka Entrepreneurs Carnival 2025 is also being held in conjunction, featuring over 60 local entrepreneurs and offering business matching opportunities anticipated to result in transactions worth RM10 million.
To add further colour to the festivities, organisers are targeting entries into the Malaysia Book of Records for the “Largest Simultaneous Zapin Performance in a Single Event” and the country’s first-ever official Konda Kondi competition.
Historical legacy will be honoured through the “Historic Voyage of the Maritime Hero: Enrique de Malacca” exhibition, which explores the life of the Melakan-born sailor who sailed with Ferdinand Magellan in the 16th century and is regarded as the first Asian to circumnavigate the globe.
The celebrations will culminate with the official launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (TMM2026) tonight in Klebang, to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The ceremony will feature performances by renowned Malaysian singers Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and Misha Omar, as well as a light show involving 1,000 drones.
To facilitate visitor movement and ensure safety, over 600 officers from the Royal Malaysia Police have been deployed, while free shuttle buses will operate between major locations including Dataran Klebang, Pulau Melaka, The Seal, and Taman Kota Shah Bandar. - September 27, 2025
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