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A total of 526 international tourists alighted from the Seabourn Encore Cruise Ship at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) jetty at the Melaka-Dumai International Ferry Terminal in Kota Laksamana, today.
This event signifies the inaugural substantial group arriving via the sea route since the initiation of Visit Melaka 2024 (TMM2024) on December 31, 2023.
The visitors were greeted by Datuk Wira Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, the Melaka’s Tourism, Heritage, Arts, and Culture Exco.
Seabourn Encore sets sail for TMM 2024
The Seabourn Encore’s arrival marks a positive commencement for TMM2024, with the state targeting 18.7 million visitors to Melaka this year, contributing significantly to the region’s tourism development.
Sailing in from Singapore, the Seabourn Encore brought 526 tourists who disembarked in Melaka to explore its renowned attractions, particularly in Banda Hilir, before continuing their journey to Port Klang.
During the welcoming ceremony, organised by the Tourism Promotion Division (BPP) and state tourism agencies, Abdul Razak conveyed his optimism regarding forthcoming arrivals through the sea entry point.
“We anticipate the arrival of several more tourist groups through this sea entry point. The initial group comprises guests primarily from Germany, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Singapore, and various other countries,” he highlighted.
Melaka to build on success to top 50K mark
According to Abdul Razak, Melaka serves as a port-of-call for the cruise line, and the state aims to attract approximately 50,000 foreign tourists from cruise ships for TMM 2024.
He mentioned that the state government has already established partnerships with three luxury cruise line agents based abroad, presenting them with enticing tour packages through the Tourism Promotion Division.
“Having successfully lured cruise ships to dock in Melaka last year, we are confident in achieving the target of 50,000 tourists this year. Our ongoing promotional efforts aim to entice more luxury cruise lines to choose Melaka as their port-of-call,” he affirmed.
Highlighting last year’s tourism figures, Abdul Razak expressed determination to surpass the 50,000 visitor target this year, building on the 64,246 people who entered the state through ICQS in the previous year.
He emphasized Melaka’s status as a preferred tourist destination, evident in the substantial influx of 52,555 foreign tourists entering the state through water routes last year.
With a diverse stream of visitors, including luxury cruise ships and ferry passengers from Dumai and Bengkalis, the state is optimistic about experiencing a thriving tourism year.
Source: Melaka Hari Ini
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