Melaka River International Festival targets one million visitors

The Melaka River International Festival from Nov 22 to Dec 2

will include a dragon boat race. — Filepic

MELAKA: The Melaka River International Festival from Nov 22 to Dec 2 is expected to draw one million local and foreign visitors.

Melaka Chief Minister Adly Zahari said of the total, about 30% would be foreign tourists.

He said the target is seen as achievable based on the success of the festival last year which attracted 600,000 visitors.

“We are confident that the number of visitors will increase as the festival will be held during the school holidays.

Adly said Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Khalil Yaakob is scheduled to open the festival on Nov 24, and that Tourism and Cul­ture Minister Datuk Mohammaddin Ketapi is also scheduled to be present.

“The official opening ceremony will feature performances by popular artistes, cultural presenta­tions as well as lucky draws offering attractive prizes for visitors, apart from presenting the Epic of Melaka History.

“Apart from that, there will be remote control boats competition, dragon boat race, Melaka River International Marathon, Mr Body Beautiful competition as well as marriage ceremony presentation,” he said.

–Bernama/thestar.