To aid the state's tourism industry recover from the economic impact of Covid-19, the Melaka government and e-commerce retailer Lazada have collaborated to create the virtual Melaka E-Bazar in line with the 'Buy Now, Travel Later' campaign.

The Melaka E-Bazar, according to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali, is promoting tourist and hospitality products by offering discount certificates of up to 50% for three months, from July 7 to September 30, 2021.

He predicted that the initiative, which was launched in conjunction with the 13th Anniversary Celebration of Declaration of Melaka as World Heritage City by UNESCO, would attract over 1,000 entrepreneurs and tourism industry players, who would have their products free of charge marketed through Lazada's Smart Business Package.

“This program is part of the ‘Melakaku Maju Jaya 2021 Economic Stimulus Package: Prosperous Together,' which aims to assist entrepreneurs and tourism operators in the state who have been impacted by the pandemic.

In a statement, he said, "This is also in response to the Ministry of Tourist, Arts and Culture's demand to increase synergies and cooperation between industrial and tourism stakeholders to sell their products and make Malaysia a world tourism destination."

According to Sulaiman, the tourism campaign provides a variety of fantastic deals, including vacation packages, hotel stays and homestays, as well as local products.

Holiday coupons and tourism products are available with open dates and valid until 2022, so they can be utilized when travel restrictions are eased later.

“The collaboration between the state government and Lazada is appropriate because the pandemic has had a significant impact on the tourism business in Malaysia, particularly in Melaka.

As a result, the chief minister stated, "this campaign will assist produce sustainable revenue flow to companies and tourism operators in the state."

Meanwhile, Lazada's chief operating officer, Darren Rajaratnam, has urged small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to take use of the Lazada Smart Business Package's prospects.

Fee exemption for listings, free step-by-step training from Lazada University, innovative Seller Centre, free advertising worth RM300, high exposure slots for one month, free shipping, and special assistance for 90 days are among the benefits available.

“During Lazada's ‘Unexpected Mid-Year Sale,' the ‘Buy Now, Travel Later' promotion will benefit Melaka businesses and help them gain optimum client access,” he said.

He also mentioned that Lazada's Smart Business Package may assist MSMEs in opening an online warehouse for free, and that they could register as new sellers on Lazada at http://lzd.co/SellOnLazadaMY.