No end to the boom in tourism infrastructure for Melaka

MELAKA – Since UNESCO named Melaka a World Heritage site, the old historical city – one of the first trading port for Europeans back to the 16th century- seems to wake up of years of inertia. Authorities multiply ambitious tourism projects while continuing to invest in infrastructure. 
 

Melaka is now having a monorail –half functioning as it was hastily built- a brand new airport, river cruises with electric boats along its river. The regional government recently announced to create an international cruise terminal along a brand new waterfront. Named the Melaka Gateway, the 246-hectare project will comprises two manmade islands and one natural island and will be located five km away from Melaka city.
 

Until 2025, the area will comprise the new Melaka International Cruise and Ferry Terminal able to accommodate simultaneously three large cruise ships while a near-by marina will be able to welcome up to 1,000 boats. Along the waterfront, an iconic 80-storey 288m tower will dominate the waterfront and will offer condominiums, high end offices and a seven-star hotel. A mall with over 400 shops, a 100 m. tall ferris wheel and a promenade with a handicraft market will complete the project.
 

The ambitious development is valued at US$ 12 billion and should help grow the total number of tourists by an additional 2.5 million per year. According to Chief Minister Idris Haron, Melaka expects to welcome 14 million tourists in 2014 after 13.7 million in 2013.