Malaysia is set to take center stage in global tourism as the historic city of Melaka has been officially announced as the host of World Tourism Day 2025, to be held in September 2025. The landmark event will be held in conjunction with the prestigious World Tourism Conference, marking a major milestone in Malaysia’s bid to position itself as a leading cultural and heritage destination on the world stage.
The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during a pre-launch ceremony held in Banda Hilir, Melaka, which also commemorated the 17th anniversary of Melaka’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage City. The event reflects Malaysia’s strategic commitment to cultural preservation, sustainability, and inclusive tourism.
“This is a defining moment for Malaysia,” said Ahmad Zahid. “Hosting World Tourism Day 2025 demonstrates our ambition to become a global tourism leader, showcasing Melaka’s historical and cultural richness while reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a premier destination.”
Melaka has seen a significant tourism boom, recording over 15 million visitors in 2023 and generating RM12.68 billion in tourism revenue during the Visit Melaka Year 2024 campaign. These figures highlight Melaka’s growing appeal and the importance of its tourism sector in Malaysia’s broader economic strategy.
The upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign is expected to further amplify this momentum, with the government emphasizing tourism as a key pillar for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and international collaboration. During recent discussions in London, Malaysia also signaled its intent to boost UK arrivals from 390,000 to 500,000, with British tourists contributing RM2.5 billion in 2023—a figure targeted to increase to RM3.3 billion through focused campaigns.
Malaysia’s reputation as a Muslim-friendly destination, coupled with its consistent top-tier ranking in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator, has positioned it as a preferred travel destination for Muslim tourists. At the same time, the government’s drive to innovate and build future-ready tourism infrastructure reflects its commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth.
Ahmad Zahid highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving tourism success, urging continued collaboration to fuel innovation and strengthen Malaysia’s competitive edge. “We are ready to work hand-in-hand with the private sector to deliver impactful tourism experiences that meet the expectations of today’s global travelers,” he said.
With a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, iconic attractions, and breathtaking landscapes—from the rainforests of Borneo to the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur—Malaysia offers a diverse range of tourism products for both leisure and business visitors.
As Melaka prepares to welcome global delegates for World Tourism Day 2025, all eyes will be on Malaysia’s ability to leverage this platform for international visibility and long-term growth. The celebration will not only mark Malaysia’s tourism excellence but also set the stage for a more resilient, innovative, and globally connected tourism future.
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