Over 3,000 delegates expected for World Tourism Day and conference this September

 

Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Planning) Shahrin Mokhtar (front row, seventh from left), poses for a commemorative photo with distinguished guests during the Engagement Session and Symbolic Flag Handover Ceremony for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 to tourism industry players, held at Parkroyal Langkawi Resort, Langkawi. - NSTP/HAMZAh OSMAN

LANGKAWI: More than 3,000 delegates from 159 countries are expected to converge in Melaka for World Tourism Day (WTD) and the World Tourism Conference (WTC), scheduled to take place from Sept 27 to 29.

Both events, themed 'Tourism and Sustainable Transformation', are set to enhance Malaysia's standing as a global tourism hub.

Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Planning) Shahrin Mokhtar said the two high-impact international events would help strengthen the country's tourism industry.

"In January, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) successfully hosted the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025 in Johor, marking a pivotal moment in promoting Malaysia on the world stage.

"Following that, WTD and WTC will take place in Melaka this September," he said during an engagement session and symbolic flag handover ceremony for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, held at Parkroyal Langkawi Resort here today.

The ceremony was officiated by the state's Economic Planning Division director, Junaidi Abdul Rani.

First introduced by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980, World Tourism Day is celebrated on Sept 27 each year. It aims to recognise the contributions and significance of tourism in shaping global social, cultural, political and economic values, as well as its role in the future of sustainable energy.

-nst online.