According to Datuk Zaidi Attan, the deputy chairman of the Melaka Tourism, heritage, Art, and Culture Committee, Melaka has been selected to host the coveted World Tourism Day in 2025.

The announcement that the biggest tourism event in the world would be held here for the first time, according to him, thrilled every tourism stakeholder in the state.

He said after the prize presentation ceremony held by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) at a hotel in Plaza Mahkota here on Friday (Oct. 20): "We are honored to be considered for this prestigious event and I invite the local tourism players to join hands with the state government in showcasing the state's rich heritage, popular destinations, and unique culture to the world.

Goh Hock Gin, the chairman of MATTA's Melaka Chapter, also came to the ceremony.

World Tourism Day, according to Zaidi, is a yearly event that recognizes the enormous impact that tourism has on a country and acts as a forum for spreading awareness of the industry's importance.

The event is held yearly as a global festival aimed at promoting the value of tourism, and we anticipate that delegates from more than 60 nations will congregate here during it," he said.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) launched the event to spread awareness of the critical role that tourism plays in promoting sustainable economic growth, cultural exchange, and international understanding.

Apart from the major event in 2025, Zaidi claimed that the state was also planning to make the Visit Melaka Year 2024 a success in order to get ready for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stated that Visit Malaysia Year would return in 2026 after a brief hiatus at the presentation of the Budget 2024 on October 13.

He stated that an estimated 26.1 million foreign visitors are anticipated, bringing in RM97.6 billion in domestic spending.

The government would set aside RM350 million, according to Anwar, who is also the finance minister, to promote Malaysia as a top travel destination.