KUALA LUMPUR — Celebrations for World Tourism Day at Amari Kuala Lumpur showcased Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage through a blend of music, crafts, and traditional practices in an event organized by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) and the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara).

The event opened with a ceremonial cutting of pulut kuning, or yellow glutinous rice, a staple in Malay festivities symbolizing gratitude and blessings. This was followed by a musical performance from Aswara’s Malaysian Fusion Crew, a group consisting of students, alumni, and faculty members. Their repertoire combined traditional and contemporary sounds, featuring instruments such as the sape, erhu, accordion, cajón, rebana, violin, keyboard, and acoustic guitar. The ensemble has represented Malaysia at various international platforms.

Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to explore exhibits and participate in activities highlighting local crafts, including batik making, arranged in the hotel’s lobby. Susan Anthony, general manager of Amari Kuala Lumpur, emphasized the important role hotels play in promoting cultural understanding among international visitors. She noted that through integrating elements of Malaysian culture within the hotel’s design and guest experience, Amari Kuala Lumpur aims to offer a meaningful cultural journey.

Several Malaysian-inspired features are incorporated into the hotel, such as a mangosteen sculpture welcoming guests at the entrance and a reception counter modeled after a traditional sampan, symbolizing shared journeys. The surrounding décor reflects the multicultural makeup of Malaysia, while lift interiors are adorned with songket-inspired designs. Additionally, a cultural corner allows guests to engage with traditional games, and works by Malaysian artists are displayed throughout guest rooms and public spaces.

Anthony further highlighted the hotel’s Club TGA café and lounge, which draws inspiration from the local communities surrounding the Kerinchi and Abdullah Hukum areas, near the hotel’s location.

The event was attended by several officials, including Motac Kuala Lumpur director Mohamad Nawwar Faiq Mohamad Noh, Aswara academic affairs deputy director Assoc Prof Dr Zulkifli Ab Rashid, and SP Setia divisional general manager Chan Ching Hiong. The collaboration between government bodies, educational institutions, and the private sector underscored ongoing efforts to promote Malaysia’s cultural heritage within its tourism sector.