7th Edition Of World Tourism Conference (WTC) Convenes In Melaka

 

MELAKA, 28TH SEPTEMBER | The Deputy Secretary-General (Tourism) of Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), YBrs. Mr. Chua Choon Hwa, welcomed delegates with a recap of yesterday’s World Tourism Day (WTD) sessions and set the stage for the 7th WTC. He highlighted the dynamic programme ahead, featuring discussions on inclusive tourism economies, the scaling of sustainable practices and a tourism future shaped by digital technologies.

YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh, Chief Minister of Melaka, opened the conference with a keynote plenary address tracing Melaka’s transformation into a sustainable and innovative tourism destination. He underscored how the city thrives on its multiethnic, multicultural heritage while safeguarding both tangible and intangible traditions.

Building on this, YB Datuk Khaidirah binti Datuk Abu Zahar, Deputy EXCO for Investment, Industry and TVET Development, spotlighted Melaka’s UNESCO, inscribed treasures, ‘dondang sayang’, ‘pantun’, ‘silat’ and the ‘kebaya’, alongside culinary icons such as ‘asam pedas’ and ‘dodol’. She highlighted the city’s liveability gains, from bicycle lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets to the revitalised Melaka Riverfront that remains the city’s tourism lifeline. YB Datuk Khaidirah also underscored the contributions of youth volunteers and a comprehensive heritage management plan that unites local communities and institutions as initiatives that have earned Melaka international recognition, including the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2024–2026.

Finally, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, delivered a compelling special address on tourism’s role as an engine of shared prosperity. Citing the sector’s nearly 10 percent share of global GDP and ASEAN’s 100 million tourist arrivals, he affirmed that growth and sustainability are not competing goals but twin pillars of progress. Dr. Kao framed ASEAN’s commitment around six guiding values consisting of Peace, Prosperity, Planet, People, Partnerships and Potential. He too urged member states to prioritise sustainability, inclusivity and digital innovation, emphasising that economic vitality and environmental stewardship can and must advance together.

-MOTAC.