CULINARY TOURISM..Bak(right) hopes food and beverage is promoted as part of package during Visit Melaka Year 2024
MELAKA: A hotel general manager here hopes the Melaka government will promote culinary tourism in Visit Melaka Year 2024 (TMM2024).
Ames Hotel general manager Jason R. Bak said the food travel segment would help to increase the state’s share in the global tourism market.
“The food and beverage segment is crucial for tourism and we can promote the TMM2024 by providing guests with a unique culinary experience,” he said during the announcement of a new menu at the hotel’s restaurant at Ayer Keroh here on Thursday (July 6).
The new menu will be launched in August.
Bak said the specialised culinary segment is one trend that has gained traction in recent years and growing at a rapid pace.
“My hotel is willing to work with the state government to make TMM2024 a successful campaign,” he said.
Apart from having many historical sites, Bak said Melaka was also a destination that has a rich food culture that can be a magnet for tourists.
The state, he added, is also known for its street food such as satay celup and asam pedas.
“Culinary tourism is vibrant in the state and people are willing to spend days to experience the various cuisines available here.
“We made an initiative to talk to chefs and food experts to explore the iconic and hidden food gems in Melaka that can be introduced as part of the menu in our hotel,” he added.
He said his hotel’s restaurant MoonBar has engaged Chef Khairul Kamaluddin who has 23 years of experience in the industry to offer new gastronomic experiences for food enthusiasts.
“The restaurant offers authentic and contemporary dishes and it’s also popular among the younger generation,” he added.
