Fan Bingbing, the renowned Chinese actress, has been appointed as the Melaka Friendship Tourism Ambassador 2024. Describing the role as both a heavy responsibility and a stroke of luck, Fan is set to promote Visit Melaka Year 2024 (TMM2024). This appointment aims to rejuvenate tourism in Melaka, emphasizing its unique appeal and deep historical ties with China.
A Unique Tourist Destination
Fan Bingbing expressed her honor at being chosen for this role, highlighting Melaka’s distinct charm compared to other famous tourist destinations. “Melaka is a unique tourist destination, unlike most famous tourist spots,” she stated. The Covid-19 pandemic had unsettled her mind, and she hadn’t traveled abroad. However, with the resurgence of post-pandemic tourism, Fan believes that people will seek out new and unique places like Melaka.
Historical Ties with China
One of the key reasons Fan chose Melaka as her travel destination this year is the long-standing history between Melaka and China. “Chinese people can relate to Melaka’s culture because Melaka’s history is well-known in China, and many people in Melaka speak Mandarin,” she explained. This cultural connection makes Melaka an attractive destination for Chinese tourists.
Promoting Visit Melaka Year 2024
As the Melaka Friendship Tourism Ambassador, Fan Bingbing’s role is to promote Visit Melaka Year 2024. Her extensive influence, with 63 million followers on Weibo and 4.1 million followers on Instagram, positions her as a significant promoter of Melaka on the global stage. Fan’s familiarity with Malaysia, through her colleague and her own interest in experiencing life in Malaysia, adds authenticity to her role.
Future Collaborations and Experiences
Fan expressed her interest in collaborating with Malaysian filmmakers and exploring life in Malaysia. “Malaysia is familiar to me because I have a Malaysian colleague. We have worked together for several years. I am also interested in experiencing life in Malaysia. If I get the chance, I would like to live in Kuala Lumpur as well and enjoy its tall skyline,” she said. Fan’s desire to work with Malaysian talents and experience the country’s lifestyle further enhances her ambassadorial role.
A Global Icon
Fan Bingbing is often portrayed as the face of Chinese culture on the global stage. She has starred in international films, including Hollywood’s “X-Men: Days Of Future Past,” and has been recognized globally, gracing the cover of Time magazine in 2017 as one of the 100 Most Influential People. Her global influence is expected to significantly boost Melaka’s visibility and attractiveness as a tourist destination.
Conclusion
Fan Bingbing’s appointment as the Melaka Friendship Tourism Ambassador 2024 is a strategic move to promote Melaka’s unique charm and historical ties with China. With her extensive influence and genuine interest in Malaysia, Fan is poised to play a pivotal role in boosting tourism for Visit Melaka Year 2024. Her role is not only to attract tourists but also to foster deeper cultural and economic ties between Malaysia and China.
