BANDA HILIR, January 1- The Melaka government is preparing to receive more tourists from 155 countries in conjunction with World Tourism Day (WTD) in September 2025.

Melaka Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said various interesting programs are being organized by the state government.

Ab Rauf is confident that Melaka can be the best host for the event.

"My hope is that we will continue the promotion in conjunction with this WTD. This effort will definitely enhance and add value to what we have achieved this year.

"In the near future, we will announce interesting plans that have the potential to attract more visitors and tourists," he told reporters after the 2025 New Year's Eve Celebration and the launch of the WTD here.

At the celebration, more than 50,000 domestic and foreign tourists enlivened Jalan Merdeka, Banda Hilir with various cultural performances and famous local artists.

A lucky draw was also held in conjunction with the organization of Visit Melaka Year 2024.