Malacca expects more tourists from Holland

MALACCA: The historic city of Malacca is expecting an influx of foreign tourists, particularly those from the Netherlands, following its inscription as a World Heritage Site.
Over the past two years, Dutch tourists to the state have increased two fold with 4,868 in 2006 and 9,304 in 2007.

Alex Oldenburg, 54, from Brielle, said it was his first visit here and was amazed by at the well-preserved Christ Church and Stadhuys in the heart of the city. “I am impressed by Malaysia’s multiracial society and enjoy seeing the different races and religions existing in harmony,” he said, adding that he also enjoyed visiting traditional Malay houses.

Meanwhile, Ria Freelink, 52, from Rotterdam, said she found Malacca interesting as it was governed by the Dutch for 183 years from 1641. “I have seen the Stadhuys in books and documentaries and I am happy to see it in person today. It is definitely an eye-opener and memorable for me,” she said.

News extracted from : The Star (04.08.2008)