More developments and events relating to tourism may be on the horizon as well as new hotel openings in Melaka, as the state rebuilds its vital tourism industry that was negatively hit by the movement control order (MCO) that was implemented to curb the Covid-19 outbreak.
Melaka is hoping to welcome 5.6 million tourists this year, says Datuk Sri Dr. Edmund Santhara, Deputy Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture Malaysia.
The reopening of the Malacca International Airport in Batu Berendam on Sept 12 can increase visitor arrivals in the state, he said.
The airport reopened after being closed for three years due to Covid-19.
"This year, we hope that Melaka will welcome six to seven million tourists. The state is home to numerous historic structures and landmarks. We want to make it even more vibrant and intend to develop it further as a city of entertainment," he told NST Property.
State Tourism, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis said the inaugural Batik Air flights from Penang and Pekanbaru, Indonesia would open doors to making Melaka the leading tourist destination in the country.
Melaka is also hoping for direct flights from China's Guangzhou and Hainan, as well as from India's Kochi and Madhya Pradesh, he said.
"This is one of our efforts to explore new markets, including Brunei," he told reporters during the airport's opening.
Meanwhile, Santhara, a member of parliament for Segamat, complimented Jojo Events for organising the popular "Concert Rakyat" on September 3, which was held in conjunction with Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam's 73rd birthday celebration at MITC Melaka.
"We would like to thank Jojo Events for coming up with the idea for this concert, which drew many visitors to Melaka. The concert is among 2022's greatest event which gave such an explosive entertainment," he added.
The Concert Rakyat featured performances by Datuk Ramli Sarip, Datuk DJ Dave, Datuk Jamal Abdillah, Ella, Alleycats, and Jaclyn Victor, backed by a 13-piece orchestra from Melaka Heritage Institute entertaining a throng of over 5,000 eager fans.
Due to the great success of the concert, the founder of Jojo Events Tan Sri Syed Mohd Yusof intends to make it a yearly event in Melaka.
Additionally, he said that projects relating to tourism are being planned in the state.
"We are looking at several sites that we think when transformed, can attract local and international tourists. The arrival of tourists will increase hotel occupancy in Melaka. 5-star and boutique hotels may be able to reach occupancy rates of more than 80 per cent," he said.
Regarding Casa del Rio Melaka, Syed Yusof, who is a director of the five-star hotel said that it is always fully booked on the weekends.
The luxurious hotel was constructed alongside the Melaka River. Three dining options and an infinity pool are among its contemporary amenities.
Casa del Rio is situated within the World Heritage Site of Melaka, a short distance away from major tourist attractions like Jonker Street, The Stadthuys, Menara Taming Sari, A Famosa, and Porte de Santiago.
Syed Yusof is also the franchise owner of Hard Rock Cafe Melaka, which is not too far off from the hotel.