MELAKA: The Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, has emphasized the importance of maintaining the tourism momentum that saw the region attract 15 million visitors and generate RM12.68 billion in revenue during the Visit Melaka Year 2024. With Melaka set to host several international events, sustaining this success has become a priority for the state’s tourism development strategy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh outlined the need for continuous efforts to promote Melaka as a preferred tourism destination, especially as the state prepares for significant events like World Tourism Day and the World Tourism Conference in 2025, followed by Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Speaking at the New Year’s Eve celebration and the launch of World Tourism Day 2025 at Persiaran Jalan Merdeka Banda Hilir, he stressed the importance of building on the achievements of 2024 to accommodate even larger events in the coming years.

The Chief Minister highlighted that over 202 tourism-related events, spanning cultural, artistic heritage, sports, and religious activities, were successfully organized at both national and international levels throughout 2024. These initiatives have played a crucial role in enhancing Melaka’s appeal as a tourism hotspot, and the state intends to continue leveraging such events to draw more visitors and bolster the local economy.