All Eyes Turn On Melaka For 2025 WTD And WTC

MELAKA, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia once again makes big strides on the international stage by being chosen as host of the 2025 World Tourism Day (WTD) and 2025 World Tourism Conference (WTC) to be held from today till Monday (Sept 29).

The events, organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the Melaka government, mark the second time the country has hosted the event since the last edition over two decades ago in 2004.

The selection of Melaka proves international recognition of the state's capability as a world-class tourist destination, supported by Melaka's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Themed "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, WTD gathers over 150 representatives and delegates from member countries who will discuss the new direction of the tourism sector, with an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity and innovation in the tourism industry.

Besides boosting the country's image as the region's premier destination, WTD 2025 also aims to attract 16.5 million tourists with projected tourism revenue of RM23.48 billion in 2025, thereby strengthening Melaka's position as a regional tourism hub.

Alongside the main agenda, various side programmes have also been planned to enliven the celebration, including the International Kite Festival, cultural arts performances such as zapin dance and heritage displays with an expected participation of over 3,000 people, and the Melaka Konda Kondi Festival 2025, which will showcase traditional games.

Also being held is the Melaka Entrepreneurs’ Carnival 2025, which will attract over 60 local entrepreneurs with business matching sessions expected to generate transactions worth RM10 million throughout the event.

The state government is also aiming for recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) through two main categories: the Largest Simultaneous Zapin Performance in a Single Event in Malaysia and the First Konda Kondi Competition in Malaysia.

Historical value is also celebrated through the exhibition "The Historical Maritime Exhibition of a World Naval Hero: Enrique de Malacca", which highlights the story of a local who became the first Asian individual to circumnavigate the globe with Ferdinand Magellan in the 16th century.

The highlight of the celebration is the launching ceremony of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), which will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Klebang tonight.

The event will feature performances by Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and Misha Omar, as well as various exciting events, including a 1,000-drone formation that will illuminate the Klebang sky.

To ensure the smooth running of the event, over 600 members of the Royal Malaysia Police will be deployed, while three free shuttle buses will be provided from several key locations such Dataran Klebang, Pulau Melaka, the open area near The Seal, the road along the Eye On Malaysia and Taman Kota Shahbandar or Taman Kota Laksamana Jaya.

-- BERNAMA