MELAKA

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MELAKA has carved its name as a renowned tourism location in the world, drawing inspiration from the golden age of the Malacca Sultanate. The state was listed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage Site in 2008.

Since then, the state has continued to record an impressive influx of tourists.

Its Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said last year, the state recorded 16.79 million tourist arrivals, the highest number to date.

He said despite being a small state spanning 1,664 sqkm, Melaka has been a destination of choice for travellers from China, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

“The culture, civilisation and heritage in Melaka have stood the test of time, thus becoming a foundation to develop an advanced and progressive state,” he said.

Idris has helmed the state since 2013 and chairs the finance, land, economy, investment and industrialisation, religious affairs, heritage, youth development and tourism portfolios.

As a chief minister, he has transformed the tourism landscape, turning Melaka into a state rich in diversity and culture.

Due to his leadership and vision, Idris was awarded the Prime Minister’s Special Award (Individual Category) during the 20th Malaysia Tourism Awards held at Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on Feb 28.

Idris said the award was an appreciation to all state executive councillors, head of departments, government agencies and Melaka residents who had played an integral role in the success of tourism in the state.

“I was humbled and honoured when Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz proposed my name as the recipient for individual category. I was informed there were 51 judges for this award.

I regard this as the highest recognition for me in the state’s tourism portfolio,” he said when met at PICC.

Previously, Idris managed to position the state into an international tourism destination.

Based on these various recognitions, Melaka has set a high benchmark to ensure that the sector stays relevant , competitive and caters to the growing demand of international tourists.

Idris said the state government has lined-up a strategic direction to maximise the potential of the tourism industry under the second phase of Melaka Maju.

“The main target is to have 20 million tourist arrivals by 2020 and this is among the early initiatives leading up to the Visit Malaysia Year 2020 promotion,” he said.

“This year alone Melaka has planned 120 tourism activities with 10 main events including Melaka Fiesta 2018, Melaka River International Festival, Melaka Historical City Celebration, and Karnival Makan-Makan Melaka 2018,” he said.

Tourists will also have a world-class vacation and entertainment experience with an international-class theatre, known as Teater Encore Melaka at Impression City which will be a new attraction at Melaka Gateway as well as planned development at Hang Tuah Melaka Commercial Centre.

Moreover, once the Kuala LumpurSingapore high-speed rail project is completed in 2026, Melaka is set to enjoy a positive economic impact to become more affluent with a steady increase of tourists into the state. Four of 10 museums in the state were listed as the best 10 museums in Malaysia by Tripadvisor

• Melaka listed as one of 10 Best Destinations in Malaysia by Tripadvisor

• Selat Melaka Mosque named among 10 Best Landmarks in Malaysia

• The Majestic Melaka and Casa Del Rio among the

Top 25 best and luxurious hotels in Malaysia

• Courtyard @ Heeren Boutique Hotel Melaka among the Top 25 romantic hotels in Malaysia.

• Waze App recognised Melaka with ‘The Best City to Drive In’ Award.

• The Culture Trip recognised Selat Melaka Mosque for 2016 Locals’ Choice Award

• The World’s Trendiest

Holiday Destination in 2017 by British Post.

• Second place for Malaysia attractive tourism destination by Tourism and Culture Minister

• Ninth place for Malaysia Best Destination by Tripadvisor.com.

• Recognised as one of the 50 Best Destinations for

Street Food by The World Street Food Congress 2017 through Donald & Lily

Nyonya Mee Siam and

Jalan Kuli Satay.

• Asia 2017 10 must-visit destinations by Lonely Planet

• Asia 2017 10 must-visit destinations in by Tripadvisor

• Melaka Portuguese Settlement mentioned in Secret Marvels of the

World book by Lonely Planet.

• Melaka Chief Minister

Datuk Seri Idris Haron receives ‘The Tourism Guru’ award by a travel magazine, Where2 Travel & Lifestyle. • Melaka Chief Minister

Datuk Seri Idris Haron receives Prime Minister’s Special Award (Individual Category) in conjunction with 20th Malaysia Tourism Award.