Melaka: The Melaka government has unveiled more than 800 initiatives in celebration of the upcoming World Tourism Day (WTD) and World Tourism Conference (WTC) set to take place in September. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced that these initiatives aim to boost connectivity, accessibility, and cultural engagement in the region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiatives include special programs such as exclusive promotional accommodation packages, RM10 admission tickets to selected attractions, and RM10 curated menus at participating restaurants. Additionally, there are premium golf promotions at four prestigious golf courses in Melaka, a revival of traditional games like Dam Aji and Konda Kondi targeted at youth and family tourism, and the addition of two Melaka River Cruise boats to enhance the river tourism experience.

The announcements were made during the pre-launch event of WTD 2025, WTC 2025, and the celebration of the 17th anniversary of Melaka’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage City in Banda Hilir. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Melaka State Assembly speaker Datuk Ibrahim Durum, and state secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad, along with ambassadors and high commissioners based in Malaysia.

A significant highlight of the upcoming celebrations will be the Global Meet Session, which will be held at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia. The session is expected to host over 3,000 delegates from 159 countries and 500 United Nations World Tourism Organisation private sector members, comprising global tourism leaders, policymakers, and international media.

Chief Minister Ab Rauf expressed strong support for the Ministry of Tourism’s initiative to involve all Malaysian states in showcasing their tourism strengths at MITC, aiming for a national display of unity, diversity, and shared prosperity through tourism.