ALOR GAJAH: The Melaka government is targeting more than 19 million tourist arrivals next year in conjunction with Visit Melaka Year 2.0 (VMY 2.0), says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
He said a total of 225 tourism events, including nine major programmes, have been planned to attract both domestic and international visitors, with projected tourism revenue reaching RM20bil.
"Engagement sessions with hoteliers, travel agents, tourism associations and the aviation sector have been held to discuss promotional strategies, government incentives and business-matching opportunities that can be implemented throughout VMY 2.0.
"Several new initiatives will also be introduced in conjunction with VMY 2.0, which will be announced in the 2026 Melaka State Budget during the State Assembly sitting on Dec 5,” he told reporters here on Saturday (Nov 22)
Commenting further, Ab Rauf said the main tourism programmes planned for VMY 2.0 include the Chinese New Year celebration from Feb 10 to March 10, 2026; the commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of the Federation of Malaya on Feb 20, 2026; the Raptor Watch 2026 Challenge from March 6 to 8, 2026; and the Melaka Government Aidilfitri Open House on March 28, 2026.
Other planned events include the Melaka International Air Carnival (June 26-28, 2026), the Melaka Rainforest Festival (June 26-28, 2026), the Rentak Bertandak Festival (July 3-7, 2026), the Melaka Heritage Festival in conjunction with the 18th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage City listing (July 5-7, 2026), and the Tanjung Bidara Beach Festival (Sept 11-13, 2026).
He said all tourism events planned in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) would help enliven the celebrations for both state and national-level tourism programmes.
He added that the launch of VMY 2.0 would take place on Dec 31 at Encore Melaka, in conjunction with the 2026 New Year celebration.- Bernama
