The UNWTO Silk Road Programme welcomes Malaysia, who recently joined the Programme, now comprising 34 Member States.

Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, the UNWTO Secretary General, praised its adhesion in his speech at the 8^th UNWTO Silk Road Ministers’ Meeting at ITB Berlin 2018.

Malaysia, famous for its cultural and natural heritage, started its trade along the historic routes of the Maritime Silk Road in the 7^th century. Due to its strategic position between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, the country became a meeting point for traders and travellers from East and West. Attracted by supplies ranging from tin to spices, ships travelled along the narrow Malaysian Straits of Malacca to trade, exchange and replenish stocks. Malaysian history of continual interaction with cultures, religions and traders is reflected by its diverse intangible heritage, music, dance and cuisine.

Malaysia has a strong interest in working with the UNWTO Silk Road Programme to develop collaborative maritime experiences along the Silk Road together with the other Member States, and numerous UNWTO Affiliate Members from the public and private tourism sphere.  

Under the auspices of UNWTO, Malaysia has already contributed valuable input to UNWTO’s research publication "Tourism on the 21st century Maritime Silk Road: impacts and opportunities".

The UNWTO Silk Road Programme is looking forward to working together with Malaysia to revive historic Silk Road routes as a sustainable and internationally competitive tourism concept.