Latest news with #WorldTourismDay
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Protecting Melaka's Peranakan legacy for the past 40 years
MELAKA: The Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum here stands as a cherished cultural beacon, preserving the soul of Melaka's Peranakan community for the past four decades, says Datuk Lim Ban Hong. Speaking at the museum's 40th anniversary celebration at a leading hotel on Saturday (July 19), the Klebang assemblyman praised the museum's lasting legacy since its establishment in 1985, calling it more than just a historical site but a living testament to family dedication and community pride. 'Forty years is no small feat, and what began as a humble family initiative has grown into an iconic cultural institution known far beyond our shores,' he said. Lim shared that the museum, housed in the ancestral home of the Baba Chan Kim Lay's family, offers a unique window into the lives, values and aesthetics of the Peranakan community. 'It's a living archive, a time capsule where history is not just displayed but felt. "This museum is a 'Rumah Penuh Jiwa' (a house full of soul) where every embroidered kebaya, every piece of furniture, every porcelain dish carries with it a story of resilience, elegance and cultural fusion,' he added. Lim highlighted the museum's role in shaping cultural appreciation among the younger generation, saying it helps foster greater understanding between communities and strengthens Malaysia's shared identity. 'It teaches us that heritage is not just about the past but who we are today and how we carry these values forward,' he said. He also pointed to Melaka's growing popularity as a cultural and tourism destination, noting that the state attracted 15 million tourists during Visit Melaka Year 2024. 'This clearly shows that Melaka's charm and rich heritage continue to resonate with visitors. 'We will see a better momentum for the tourism industry this year with Malaysia set to chair Asean and host World Tourism Day, where the Historic City has been chosen as the venue," he said. Lim said the state government has now set an ambitious target of 16.5 million tourists for 2025, with even bigger goals in sight for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 'We are not just preserving heritage but bringing it to life and sharing it with the world," he said.
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits abroad warned to brace for more summer holiday protests from anti-tourists
The anti-tourism movement is quickly gathering pace across Europe with protest groups causing widespread disruption today - and threatening there is more chaos to come Just when Brits thought it was safe to get back in the sunshine - an anti-tourism group is threatening more summer protests. The Southern European Network Against Touristification (SET) group, already revelling in the widespread disruptions caused on a Europe-wide day of action on June 15, is threatening there is more disruption to come. In a strong statement they said: 'Common sense is changing. 'The myth of tourism as economic salvation is over. Touristification is no longer a problem perceived by a few. It has become a widespread concern across generations, social classes, cities and regions. And this is just the beginning. 'Given the situations we are witnessing everywhere, there is no doubt that more actions and mobilizations will take place here and there this summer, much like there might be more anti-touristification actions on 27th September for World Tourism Day. The struggle against touristification is growing, expanding, and is being organized. Because our lives are worth more than their profits.' Tourists across Europe had to endure mass protests last month when thousands of people in Spain, Portugal and Italy took to the streets in at least a dozen tourist hotspots to protest against 'touristification'. It was the most widespread joint action to date against what they see as the steady reshaping of their cities to meet the needs of tourists rather than people who live and work there. Tourists enjoying meals in places like Palma and Barcelona were met with baying mobs and some were even sprayed with water pistols. In Spain, there were instances of protestors holding signs saying 'tourists go home'. Earlier this year The Mirror spoke to one of the ringleaders of the massive tourist protests who spoke to us on condition of anonymity. He said: 'The general mood is one of growing frustration, indignation, and despair. People feel they are being expelled from their own land and that their fundamental rights are not being protected. People have had enough.' The protestors accuse foreigners of inflating property prices and driving up the cost of living for locals who have reached breaking point. Tensions have been building since the protest movement formed last summer and earlier this year a shocking sign threatening to 'kill a tourist' appeared in Tenerife. Footage of the graffiti being painted on the was posted online by a group called Islas de Resistencia, which describes itself as 'a project to recover the memory of social movements in the Canary Islands.' Spanish party isle Ibiza has also seen signs of hostility when access to a popular viewing point was blocked with boulders. Activists have also reportedly torched and smashed hire cars in Tenerife. Shocking video footage posted online appeared to show vandals pouring flammable liquid on the ground, then setting fire to around 20 rental vehicles in the southern Tenerife resort of Costa Adeje. And the protests have now spread to Portugal and Italy who both have huge influxes of tourists each summer. The bulk of last month's protests on June 15 were in Spain, where tourist arrivals surged last year to record levels. But cities in Italy like Venice and Lisbon in Portugal also took part. The statement from SET added: 'The streets of Barcelona, Cantabria, Cordoba, Donostia-San Sebastian, Ibiza, Granada, Genoa, Lisbon, Menorca, Naples, Palma, and Venice were filled with large demonstrations, symbolic actions, statements, and debates. 'Simultaneous and coordinated mobilizations have allowed us not only to join, but also to multiply our voices in a powerful chorus of struggle. And we are not alone. Growing numbers of people understand that this tourism model does not bring progress, but causes evictions, precariousness, and devastation.' Although it is not all doom and gloom for Brits looking to soak up some sun as some industry experts claim one resort's loss is another's gain. Miguel Perez-Marsa, president of Majorca's ABONE nightclub and entertainment association, said business is booming in the German party resort of Playa de Palma instead. He also said the biggest winner of the drop in British revellers picking Magaluf for their holidays following the party resort 'clean-up'. And he has claimed young Brits are turning their backs on Magaluf - where holidaymakers from other European countries were once a rare sight in the summer season - because they have been 'demonised.' Mr Perez-Marsa said the gap was being filled by French and Italian tourists who tend to drink less than UK party animals and don't spend as much going out at night. And claiming British youngsters who have traditionally packed out the noisy nightspots of Magaluf's brash Punta Ballena party strip had been 'steam-rollered', he went on to put Benidorm at the top of the list of other 'more welcoming' resorts they were flocking to instead. Mr Perez-Marsa also told Diario de Mallorca more British families were visiting Magaluf, but complained they were opting for all-inclusive deals that meant they spent less outside their hotels. British tourists make up the vast bulk of Benidorm's foreign holidaymakers.
Barnama
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Encore Melaka Among Proposed WTD 2025 Celebration Venues
MELAKA, July 13 (Bernama) -- Encore Melaka, located in Impression City, Kota Syahbandar, has been proposed as one of the venues for the 2025 World Tourism Day (WTD) celebration this September. State Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, said that the venue was chosen for its strategic location along the Straits of Melaka, positioning Encore Melaka as a unique tourism product, with strong potential to attract both domestic and international visitors. He said Encore Melaka is not only a theatre equipped with a 360-degree rotating stage, but also serves as a centre for arts and cultural performances. 'At the moment, we have several proposed venues, including sites in the Banda Hilir area, and Encore Melaka, which we have submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for consideration. 'Encore Melaka was proposed due to its coastal location, which allows us to showcase the Straits of Melaka as part of the celebration. Additionally, it is a distinctive tourism product, with the potential to attract international visitors,' he told reporters here today. He said this after opening the People's Representative for the People (WRUR) programme in the Duyong state constituency, which was also attended by the Duyong assemblyman and deputy chairman of the state Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communications Committee, Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem. Abdul Razak added that, in preparation for WTD 2025, a variety of engaging programmes are being planned to enliven the celebration, in line with Melaka's selection as the launch venue for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 'Several programmes are scheduled for September, including religious events in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul celebration, under the Islamic Tourism cluster. He said that further details on the upcoming programmes will be announced to the public soon.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh: Solar lights illuminate Dhudmaras, recognized as Bastar's best tourism village
RAIPUR: Nestled within the Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, the small tribal village of Dhudmaras in Bastar district is now glowing — quite literally — with solar energy projects that have brightened its streets and lives. Dhudmaras has recently gained global recognition as one of the world's top 20 tourism villages, as designated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and is now solar-powered with streetlights and the village lanes. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and vibrant tribal culture, Dhudmaras has always attracted eco-conscious travellers in Bastar region. Now, with solar-powered streetlights lighting up the village's winding lanes and solar dual-pumps providing clean drinking water, Dhudmaras is setting a new benchmark for environmental conservation and self-reliance. The Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) has played a pivotal role in this transformation. By installing three solar dual pumps, the village now enjoys reliable access to pure drinking water. Two solar high-mast towers have been erected to ensure bright and safe lighting after dusk. Additionally, solar power streetlights have been installed throughout the village, and solar energy supply to primary and secondary schools ensures uninterrupted education facilities even in remote areas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo CREDA's Chairman Bhupendra Savani and CEO Rajesh Rana have closely monitored these projects, ensuring that every installation meets quality standards and serves the community effectively. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, awarded Dhudmaras and nearby Chitrakot village for excellence in sustainable rural tourism. The serene flow of the Kanger River, lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and the preservation of traditional Bastaria culture make Dhudmaras an irresistible destination for tourists. With Maoists pushed to the brink in past one and a half years, state govt is continuously improving infrastructure by developing trekking trails, camping sites, and homestay facilities. Local artisans and craftsmen are receiving encouragement to market their traditional crafts, boosting the rural economy. Roads and transport links are also being strengthened to improve accessibility. The village's Eco-Tourism Development Committee operates adventure activities such as kayaking and bamboo rafting on the Kanger River, creating livelihood opportunities for local youth. Basic tourist amenities, including waiting areas and toilets, have been developed at the grassroots level to enhance visitor experience.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Solar lights illuminate Dhudmaras, recognized as Bastar's best tourism village
Raipur: Nestled within the Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, the small tribal village of Dhudmaras in Bastar district is now glowing — quite literally — with solar energy projects that have brightened its streets and lives. Dhudmaras has recently gained global recognition as one of the world's top 20 tourism villages, as designated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and is now solar-powered with streetlights and the village lanes. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and vibrant tribal culture, Dhudmaras has always attracted eco-conscious travellers in Bastar region. Now, with solar-powered streetlights lighting up the village's winding lanes and solar dual-pumps providing clean drinking water, Dhudmaras is setting a new benchmark for environmental conservation and self-reliance. The Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) has played a pivotal role in this transformation. By installing three solar dual pumps, the village now enjoys reliable access to pure drinking water. Two solar high-mast towers have been erected to ensure bright and safe lighting after dusk. Additionally, solar power streetlights have been installed throughout the village, and solar energy supply to primary and secondary schools ensures uninterrupted education facilities even in remote areas. CREDA's chairman Bhupendra Savani and CEO Rajesh Rana have closely monitored these projects, ensuring that every installation meets quality standards and serves the community effectively. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the ministry of tourism, govt of India, awarded Dhudmaras and nearby Chitrakot village for excellence in sustainable rural tourism. The serene flow of the Kanger river, lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and the preservation of traditional Bastaria culture make Dhudmaras an irresistible destination for tourists. With Maoists pushed to the brink in past one and a half years, state govt is continuously improving infrastructure by developing trekking trails, camping sites, and homestay facilities. Local artisans and craftsmen are receiving encouragement to market their traditional crafts, boosting the rural economy. Roads and transport links are also being strengthened to improve accessibility. The village's eco-tourism development committee operates adventure activities such as kayaking and bamboo rafting on the Kanger river, creating livelihood opportunities for local youth. Basic tourist amenities, including waiting areas and toilets, have been developed at the grassroots level to enhance visitor experience.
