HELP University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Students Organise Commemorative Trip for World Tourism Day 2025 in Melaka!

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.