Melaka will host the launch of Visit Malaysia 2026. – Pixabay
The government has agreed to hold the launch of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) in Melaka, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently.
Anwar said Melaka was chosen because the state not only has complete infrastructure, but also interesting culture and gastronomy, which can attract foreign tourists.
"Looking at the preparations in terms of culture, food and drink, infrastructure, if well organised, will certainly benefit the country, state and people.
"That is why I am inclined when the call is made for (the launch) to be held in Melaka,” he said during an event in Ayer Keroh, Melaka last weekend.
Also present at the event were the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Mohd Ali Rustam, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahidi, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and his deputy Teo Nie Ching, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, other Cabinet Ministers and the Chief Secretary to the government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
You can savour lots of Nyonya kuih, Portuguese-Eurasian treats and other delicacies in Melaka. – MELISSA CHAN
Anwar congratulated Melaka for becoming the choice of investors, especially from China and Germany, with the best infrastructure in the state.
"I mention this because when we go to Germany or China or other countries, Melaka is popular because of its infrastructure, the efficiency of its officers as well as the policy of ‘clarity’ of its leadership to speed up (all) processes.
"That is why the role of the state government to speed up this process is very welcome ... it can facilitate and attract investment and speed up the development process,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ab Rauh said that the selection of Melaka as the host for the launch is an honour and recognition for the state government.
He said the state government is launching more than 800 tourism products to support the VM2026 campaign, thus helping to ensure that Melaka remains a top destination of choice for tourists.
The historical state of Melaka has always been popular with tourists, both local and international. – Pixabay
"The selection of Melaka as the host for this prestigious event is not just a recognition, but as a catalyst for the rapid growth of the state's tourism industry, which will provide benefits to the people of Melaka, the local economy and revenue to the country.
"I, along with the entire Melaka leadership, express our appreciation for the support and trust from the federal government, especially in the selection of Melaka as the host for such an important and large-scale programme," he said.
Ab Rauf said that the state will also be hosting the Asean Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC), World Tourism Day and World Tourism Conference, National TVET Day Celebration and the Annual Informal Meeting of Religious Ministers of Brunei Darussalam, the Republic of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Republic of Singapore (MABIMS).
"The success of Visit Melaka Year 2024 has seen the state recording an influx of more than 15 million tourists – an increase of 74.21% compared to 2023 – and generating tourism income of RM12.68bil.
"As a continuation of this achievement, the state government will continue the Visit Melaka Year initiative until 2026, in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 target of attracting 35.6 million tourists to Malaysia," he said. – Bernama
