Tourism Melaka

T E S TA MENT T O T H I S rise is Melaka Tourism, a key entity that has been fundamental in raising the status and awareness of the region’s tourism, headed up by Zairi Suboh, the organisation’s General Manager.

Tracking trends, collaborating with regional players and strategically marketing to different target audiences and segments, Tourism Melaka continues to bolster the region’s economy through the medium of tourism.

Speaking to Suboh, we discover how and why the organisation came about, and how Melaka is becoming one of Malaysia’s, and indeed Southeast Asia’s, most prestigious destinations.

Asia Outlook (AsO): Can you firstly talk me through the origins of the Tourism Melaka, how it came about, and its initial vision?

Zairi Suboh (ZS): Tourism

Melaka, formerly known as Tourism Promotion Division (Bahagian Promosi Pelancongan), plays a crucial role in attracting tourists to the region and state that has been on the UNESCO Heritage List since 2008. Under the administration of the Melaka Chief Minister’s Department, Tourism Melaka aims to continuously expand the initiatives on promoting Melaka. Retaining the state as one of the main tourist destinations in the country, Tourism Melaka’s success is owed to its ability to provide bespoke activities based on its visitor’s needs.

AsO: Since inception, how has Tourism Melaka developed and progressed in terms of what it has achieved in aiding the national industry?

ZS: Through these extensive promotional activities, Tourism Melaka has successfully attracted more than five million foreign tourists from China, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, each drawn to witness the remains of the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial eras, amidst others.

The 16th-century St Paul’s Church, A’Famosa, Stadthuys, the open tomb of St Francis Xavier, and Christ Church are among the top stops often in the tourists’ to-go list.

Next year we will be promoting our Visit Melaka Year (VMY) 2019 campaign, geared towards showcasing and celebrating Melaka’s bountiful and diverse cultures as a tourist attraction. Themed ‘A Gateway to Historic Malaysia’, the year-long calendar is packed with festivities of every genre, including cultural festivals, shopping extravaganzas, internationally acclaimed events, eco-tourism events, arts, music, food promotion and alike.

AsO: Can you provide some insight into the cultural essence and history of Melaka?

ZS: Often referred to as the Venice of the East, Melaka’s appeal lies in its rich and colourful past. Growing from a quaint fishing village to one of the richest ports in the world and greatest trading empires by the 16th century, Melaka came to enjoy a reputation as one of the leading maritime trade hubs across Southeast Asia.

Merchants the world over, from Arabia to China to Europe, came to conduct trade in silk, spices, gold and porcelain, amongst other things. However, today there’s a lot more to Melaka in addition to its tales, legends and histories. Hundreds of years of multi-cultural influences have helped to imbed a multitude of customs, foods, languages and festivals throughout the region.

AsO: In your eyes, why should someone visit Melaka?

ZS: Millions of tourists visit Melaka each year, and for good reason.

The heart of the city displays a number of internationally acclaimed hotels and accommodation, catering to a range of different tastes. You can hail a trishaw for a ride along winding streets, taking in the colourful mishmash of architectural styles, cruise along the world-famous Melaka River, or explore the countryside that has tales to tell, of war and treachery, romance and heartbreak.

Historical influences define Melaka with a delightful mixture of people and cultures, all of whom contribute to the charm of this city. Melaka offers an abundance of activities and nature pursuits, while those seeking quality healthcare or education don’t have to look any further than Melaka’s excellent facilities.

AsO: How would you say Melaka has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?

ZS: Melaka is strategically located between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, making it the ideal focal point for organisers to have international meetings and conferences outside of the capital. Melaka today is a busy place to be, bustling with activities and trade expansions of a different ilk.

In terms of Melaka as a MICE destination, it is unrivalled. Its immersive heritage and culture, low crime rate, stable economy and political environment, and affordability are just a few reasons for its popularity. Meanwhile, Melaka offers wide choice of venues for such events, ranging from the international trade centre to hotels with MICE facilities and shell sites to multi-purpose facilities.

“Melaka today is a busy place to be, bustling with activities and trade expansions of a

different ilk”