KUALA LUMPUR: Visit Melaka Year 2024 is expected to achieve the state government's target of welcoming eight million tourists next year.
Melaka Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said around 55,000 vehicles enter Melaka every day.
He said this figure is based on statistics or studies conducted every week, especially during school holiday seasons.
"If we were to estimate, we are targeting more than eight million people to visit throughout 2024.
"If it exceeds that, it indicates that Melaka is the preferred destination for tourists and visitors," he told the media after appearing on TV3's Malaysia Hari Ini (MHI) programme, this morning.
Ab Rauf said seven lucky draw prizes, each worth more than RM100,000, await visitors in Melaka next year.
He said these lucky draws would be conducted every three months during the year, where participation is subject to certain conditions.
"We have 80 hotels and village stays that have signed agreements to promote Visit Melaka Year 2024.
"Come to Melaka, choose a partner hotel to ensure visitors receive vouchers, and participate in a lucky draw for a car every three months... Spend RM500 to potentially get a car," he said, adding that the Visit Melaka Year 2024 celebration will commence tomorrow with the organisation of the International Islamic Carnival to be held at the Hang Jebat Stadium grounds.
He said during the International Islamic Carnival, a 24-hour Quranic recitation event would begin tomorrow and continue until Dec 30.
"Melaka's Tahfiz schools will be directly involved in celebrating this International Islamic Carnival.
"Additionally, we will have a 'Melaka City Salawat' programme that will be held on a large scale, attended by international guests," he said.
He highlighted the New Year's Eve celebration and the launch of Visit Melaka Year 2024, which would take place at the Pengkalan Rama Jetty with fireworks and performances by local artists from Melaka, such as Zamani, Ziana, and Anuar Zain.
Responding to traffic congestion issues in Melaka City, Ab Rauf said they are currently conducting a detailed study to facilitate tourists and visitors coming to the state.
He said all new plans and proposals to be executed would not harm any party.
"The more people come to Melaka, the more tourism-based businesses will benefit.
"Undoubtedly, the government is concerned, and we can certainly give back these returns to the people of Melaka," he added.