MELAKA: Melaka's tourism sector, previously affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, will see a resurgence thanks to Visit Melaka Year 2024 (VMY2024).
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the state government has taken the initiative to redevelop the state, including empowering its tourism sector via numerous strategies and initiatives.
This, he said, was in line with the state's aim to emerge as among the top three most popular destinations in Malaysia and among the best in the world.
"For the VMY2024 campaign, the state government has readied 76 tourism events including 30 main events throughout the year. Each month will feature programmes with different themes and activities.
"At the same time, the state government has also prepared a host of attractive prizes, including seven cars for lucky tourists who stay at least two nights in selected hotels in the state and spend a minimum of RM500 throughout their stay.
"Every three months, there will be a lucky draw and a car awaits the winners," he said at the launch of VMY2024 at the Dataran Pengkalan Rama, here on Sunday night.
The event was officiated by Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam.
Also present were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Ibrahim Durum; State Secretary Datuk Zaidi Johari, as well as Tourism, Arts and Culture exco Datuk Abd Razak Abd Rahman.
Also present were Media Prima Bhd (MPB) Group Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hussian Aljunid; MPB Omnia Chief Operating Officer Datuk Mohd Efendi Omar; The New Straits Times Press (NSTP) Group Managing Editor Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman; as well as MPB Television Networks News and Current Affairs Group Deputy Editor Azhari Muhidin.
MPB is the official media for VMY2024.
Ab Rauf said throughout VMY2024, the state government will also introduce discount coupons which offers savings of between 5 and 55 per cent at 28 participating locations from Jan 1 to Dec 31.
He said, to further enliven the atmosphere for VMY2024, the state government has beautified Melaka with new attractions such as the Melaka River Floating Market, Sungai Linggi Eco Cruise and car-free zones.
This, he said, would offer more destination choices for tourists and visitors to the historic state.
"As such, I invite everyone to come to Melaka and experience the major events and new tourism products offered by the state," he said.
