BERNAMA – WTD 2025 Expected To Help Melaka Reach Target Of 16.5 Million Tourists This Year

MELAKA, Sept 23 (Bernama) — The hosting of World Tourism Day (WTD) and the World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2025, which will run for three days beginning Sept 27, is expected to help Melaka attract 16.5 million tourists with a projected revenue of RM23.48 billion this year.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, in a statement, said the prestigious event organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the state government, would further strengthen Melaka’s position as a regional tourism hub.

He said the international-level tourism event, themed ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’, highlighted sustainability, inclusivity and innovation in the tourism sector.

“WTD 2025 will feature various fringe programmes for both locals and tourists, including the International Kite Festival, cultural performances such as zapin and heritage dances with more than 3,000 participants expected, as well as the Melaka Konda Kondi Festival 2025.

“In addition, the Melaka Entrepreneurs’ Carnival 2025 will also be held, bringing together over 60 local entrepreneurs while introducing business matching sessions targeting transactions worth RM10 million,” he said in the statement today.

He said that through the event, the state government also aimed to secure recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) in two categories, namely the Largest Simultaneous Zapin Performance in a Single Event in Malaysia and the First Konda Kondi Competition in Malaysia.

He added that the ‘Historical Maritime Exhibition of a World Naval Hero: Enrique de Malacca’, a local and the first Asian to circumnavigate the globe with Ferdinand Magellan in the 16th century, would also be held in conjunction with WTD 2025.

Ab Rauf said among the exclusive exhibits were Ferdinand Magellan’s will (1519), which recorded Enrique as a young man from Melaka aboard the ship Trinidad, and the ‘Rol de la Armada Magellan 1519′ – the official crew list and fleet composition of Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition – which recognised Enrique as Magellan’s official interpreter.

“This launch signifies the nation’s commitment to making the tourism sector a key driver of the economy, while strengthening Melaka’s reputation as a premier tourism destination rich in heritage, culture and innovation.

“More significantly, WTD and WTC 2025 will also attract international media coverage, which is expected to bolster Melaka’s global image while positioning Malaysia as a top choice for international tourists,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the highlight of WTD 2025 would be the launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and attended by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

He said national songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and Misha Omar were among the artistes scheduled to perform at the main event, which would also feature attractions including a 1,000-drone performance.

“Three shuttle buses will be provided for public transportation to the event venue (in Klebang), with pick-up points at several designated locations. More than 600 personnel, including the police, will be deployed to ensure that all world-class programmes run smoothly and safely,” he said.

Ab Rauf said shuttle bus service points would include parking areas around Dataran Klebang, Pulau Melaka, open areas near The Seal, roadside along Eye On Malaysia, main roadside areas excluding protocol routes and main routes for VIPs, and parking areas around Taman Kota Shah Bandar or Taman Kota Laksamana Jaya.

— BERNAMA

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