Melaka: The state government is preparing to launch the Visit Melaka Year 2.0 (TMM2.0) on December 31, as announced by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. This initiative follows the extension of TMM2024 until 2026, aligning with Melaka’s selection as the host for the World Tourism Day (WTD) and the World Tourism Conference 2025, as well as the launch venue for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh expressed that this new version of Visit Melaka Year is timely, as the state will host these three significant events. He highlighted that TMM2.0 would serve as an ideal platform to welcome delegates from around the world, particularly after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s agreement for Melaka to be the launch venue for VM2026. The announcement was made after his attendance at the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) Hari Raya Open House and the launch of the Snow World Theme Park at Melaka Mall.

Ab Rauf mentioned that the venue for the TMM2.0 launch would be disclosed later. He added that the event would feature grand programmes and activities aimed at attracting more tourists to the state.

Meanwhile, MPHTJ president Datin Sapiah Haron remarked on efforts to boost tourism, such as the reduction in admission fees to Melaka Zoo since January. These lower ticket prices, valid until December, are part of initiatives supporting WTD and the continuation of TMM. The new ticket prices are RM33 for adults and RM19 for children, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens. Although there was a decline in visitor numbers during the fasting month, Sapiah noted an upward trend in visits starting from the first day of Hari Raya, with many tourists and local factory foreign workers visiting the zoo.