WITH the upcoming introduction of Resorts World Cruises’ Genting Dream docking at Melaka, the city is set to experience a surge in tourist footfall, giving a much-needed boost to the local tourism sector.
Starting from November 2024, Genting Dream will ferry passengers directly from Singapore to Melaka with the cruise expected to bring up to 200,000 passengers annually.
This influx of visitors aligns perfectly with the state’s “Visit Melaka 2024” campaign which is aimed at revitalising the tourism industry in the post-pandemic period.
Interestingly, Encore Melaka, one of the city’s most unique cultural attractions, stands to benefit significantly from the increased tourist arrivals.
As the cruise ship will dock just minutes away from the city centre, passengers will have the opportunity to explore Melaka’s historical offerings, including Encore Melaka – a ground-breaking cultural performance venue that has consistently drawn attention for its world-class shows.
Featuring a 360-degree rotating auditorium and a 240-meter-long stage, Encore Melaka blends history, technology, and art to present Melaka’s rich cultural heritage in an immersive format.
As one of the key cultural landmarks of the state, it is poised to attract a significant share of the visitors arriving via the Genting Dream.
“With Genting Dream’s regular calls to Melaka and the ongoing Visit Melaka 2024 initiative, we are confident that Encore Melaka will continue to grow as a must-visit cultural landmark,” Datuk Wira Boo Kuang Loon, CEO of tourism-related property developer Yong Tai Bhd expressed his optimism to FocusM.
“This collaboration will bring much-needed footfall to the theatre and help boost Melaka’s overall tourism industry.”
The “Visit Melaka 2024” campaign is further bolstered by the appointment of internationally renowned Chinese actress Fan Bingbing as its ambassador. Her association with the campaign has generated global interest, especially from Chinese tourists, thus further cementing Encore Melaka’s position as a must-visit destination.
With the anticipated influx of tourists brought by Genting Dream coupled with the spotlight on Melaka as a major cultural hub, the theatre’s performances are expected to be a major draw for international and local visitors alike.
Beyond the cultural allure of Encore Melaka, passengers of the cruise will also have the opportunity to savour Melaka’s rich culinary offerings and enjoy its historical landmarks.
With the extended cruise schedule allowing more time in the city, visitors will be able to fully immerse themselves in Melaka’s diverse attractions such as Jonker Street, the A’Famosa Fort and the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, to name a few landmarks.
As Melaka continues to gain traction as a key tourist destination, Encore Melaka is well-positioned to reap the rewards of this growing attention.
The combination of Genting Dream’s cruise passengers and the broader “Visit Melaka 2024” initiative creates a unique opportunity for the city’s tourism sector to thrive with Encore Melaka at the forefront as a premier cultural experience.
At the close of today’s market trading, Yong Tai was down 0.5 sen or 2.27% to 21.5 sen with 345,300 shares traded, thus valuing the company at RM92 mil. – Oct 21, 2024
