In conjunction with the global celebration of World
Tourism Day (WTD) 2025, students from the TRM223 – Tourism Operations
class organised a special one-day trip to the historic city of Melaka. This
educational and commemorative journey is a key component of their module
requirement and aligns perfectly with Melaka’s role as the official host city
for this year’s international WTD events.
The 2025 World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and
Sustainable Transformation,” serves as the inspiration for this trip,
emphasising the vital role of the tourism sector in driving positive change,
fostering resilience, and promoting inclusivity.
A Focus on Industry and Education
This exclusive trip is designed to bridge the gap between
academic learning and real-world industry experience. A total of 25
participants joined the itinerary, comprising students from the School
of Hospitality and Tourism and esteemed PATA Members. This mix of
aspiring professionals and seasoned industry experts will provide a rich
environment for networking and knowledge exchange.
The full-day itinerary immersed participants in Melaka’s
vibrant cultural and historical tapestry. On the day, the group focused on
experiencing Melaka’s unique position as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which
perfectly showcased the integration of sustainability and cultural preservation
in tourism.
The group started the trip with a flavourful day of learning
at the Melaka International Halal Festival (MIHF ’25)! Soaking up the culture
and seeing the global side of the halal industry with the best crew. Who doesn’t
love educational trips that involve food?
Next, the SHT team and students enjoyed a scenic cruise
along the historic Melaka River, demonstrating how responsible development has
transformed the waterway into a key tourism asset.
After a relaxing cruise, the team celebrated World Tourism
Day 2025 in the heart of history — Malacca! From heritage streets to vibrant
cultures, every corner tells a story. A guided walk through the iconic Red
Square (Dutch Square), the ruins of St. Paul’s Church, and stepping back in
time to the remnants of the A Famosa fortress.
Saving the best for last, the team had the most exciting and
exclusive experience at the Encore Melaka, which is the largest theatre in Southeast
Asia featuring a 360° rotating auditorium, where they enjoyed an amazing show
plus a special arranged backstage tour that’s not open to the public.
World Tourism Day 2025 in Melaka
Melaka’s selection as the host for World Tourism Day and the
concurrent 7th World Tourism Conference highlighted Malaysia’s
commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient global tourism sector.
The TRM223 class trip was a practical showcase of how future tourism operators
are engaging with global themes right here at home.
The students eagerly participated in this opportunity to
learn from the best in the industry and contribute to the local celebration of
this significant international event while each receiving a certificate for their
participation.