Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (left) receiving the commemorative plaque from Georgia Deputy Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili as UN Tourism secretary- general Zurab Pololikashvili looks on. Georgia was the host of WTD 2024.
IN collaboration with UN Tourism, Malaysia will host World Tourism Day (WTD) and the World Tourism Conference (WTC) from Sept 27 to 29 in Melaka.
This is the second time Malaysia has been honoured to host WTD, the last time being in 2004.
As the host city for WTD and WTC 2025, Melaka aims to showcase Malaysia as a vibrant cultural melting pot that preserves its rich heritage and pristine natural landscapes.
Malaysia was chosen to host WTD 2025, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, following its nomination at the 35th UN Tourism Regional Commission Meeting for East Asia and the Pacific in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and approval at the 25th UN Tourism General Assembly.
WTD is an annual programme organised by UN Tourism in collaboration with selected host countries, held on Sept 27 every year since 1980.
The WTD celebration aims to raise awareness of tourism’s role in economic, social and cultural development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 framework.
Meanwhile, WTC is an exclusive conference held every three years, organised by Malaysia in collaboration with UN Tourism. This is the seventh edition of WTC since its inception in 2007.
This conference serves as a platform for key leaders in the tourism sector, policymakers and experts from the public and private sectors worldwide to share experiences, discuss ideas and present trends, directions and visions for advancing global tourism development.
In short, these global events – which will bring together approximately 160 member states – will serve as a platform for stakeholders to recognise and celebrate the tourism sector’s contributions to social, cultural, political and economic development.
Melaka, the host city of WTD and WTC 2025, aims to showcase Malaysia as a vibrant cultural melting pot.
Some 800 participants from around the world are expected to attend these two mega events.
Malaysia will leverage this platform to highlight its commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage, presenting a holistic and balanced approach to tourism.
Hosting these two international mega-events will optimise government expenditure, enhance return on investment (ROI) and strengthen Malaysia’s standing among UN Tourism members.
Consequently, the country is expected to see a rise in tourist arrivals and receipts, building momentum for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.With the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, the events will showcase strategies to advance the tourism sector’s contributions to SDGs 2030.
Aligned with the Malaysian Government’s Madani Economy framework, the theme underscores tourism’s pivotal role in fostering economic growth, social impact and sustainable development, balancing the 3Ps – People, Planet and Prosperity.
