One billion people travelled in 2011 spending USD1 trillion

Among key global destinations for travel is Malaysia, ranked 9th in the United Nation's World Tourism Organisation report for 2012. However in terms of tourist spending Malaysia is placed 14th at about USD18 billion in 2011. International tourist arrivals are expected to reach 1.8 billion by the year 2020. While Malaysia has achieved top ranking as a global tourism destination it is now working to increase its range of products and services to encourage longer stays and larger spending. Melaka is among key tourism destination that is building its advantage in tourism industry.

MELAKA - World Heritage City

Melaka began as a small fishing village in the late 14th or early 15th century. Being strategically located in the Straits of Mallaca, a highway for maritime trade between East and West the village grew to become one of the most important ports in the world. In August 2008 Melaka was officially declared as a World Heritage City by UNESCO bringing to global focus the city's unique legacy of over 500 years of trading and cultural exchange between the East and the West.

This has resulted in specific multicultural heritage through the merging of diverse ethnic and cultural traditions that include Malay, European, Muslim, Indian and Chinese influences. Melaka is today a rich human and cultural tapestry that is expressed in the languages, religious practices, gastronomy, ceremonies and festivals as well as in the architecture. Melaka attracts over 7 million visitors every year.

Malaysia’s heart beat in Melaka

No matter how much Malaysia has advanced as a modern economy, Melaka has always held a psychological hold that goes beyond history. In the heart of every Malaysian Melaka is paid homage.

Here grew the pride of the Malay Sultanate. In Melaka is sourced Malaysian cultural identity as well as the blueprint of its politics. Melaka is the cradle of Malaysia’s cultural heritage, a treasure chest of antiques, cultural arts, artifacts, performances and music.

Melaka is Malaysia’s global footprint

Stepping into Melaka is to feel the embrace of the wider world. On Melaka soil the Europeans, the Arabs, the Turks, the Persians, the Indians, the Chinese, the Siamese, the Achinese , the Sumatrans and many others congregated because its strategic location on the Straits of Melaka. Today the straits still reigns as a strategic maritime gateway connecting two vital divisions of the world.

Melaka, Malaysia’s tourism & cultural creativity hub

Melaka is evolving into a leading global tourism destination with the opportunity to generate wealth-creating tourism related products and services. The state is proactive in building its online presence as well as widening its range of attractions that satisfy the interests of different kinds tourists.

Melaka is global gateway into Malaysia

Melaka is Malaysia’s most well-known city and tourism continues to be an important revenue generator for both the state and national economies. Melaka, in 2009, welcomed close to one-third of the number of tourist who flooded into Malaysia. As a World Heritage Site Melaka’s tourist attraction has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in visits.