Understanding and appreciating Heritage Tourism is essential in tourism education. Heritage Tourism involves exploring, preserving, and promoting cultural heritage sites, traditions, and practices. By integrating Heritage Tourism into the tourism programmes and nurturing students’ understanding of its significance, educational institutions can prepare future tourism professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to the sustainable development and preservation of cultural heritage.
To further this goal, 28 students from the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events (SHTE) and the School of Architecture, Building and Design (SABD) visited the heritage sites at Bukit Melawati and Pekan Lama of Kuala Selangor. The visit aimed to provide local and international students with a thorough understanding of the importance of cultivating and preserving heritage tourism at Bukit Melawati and Pekan Lama through heritage trails and customized tour packages. The project was led by Dr. Thanam Subramaniam, Senior Lecturer from School of Hospitality, Tourism & vents and Mr. Azim Sulaiman, Lecturer from School of Architecture, Building and Design.
This project involved Integrated Tourism Development and Architecture Conservation & Tourism, in collaboration with Taylor's Liveable Urban Community Impact Lab and in line with the Multidisciplinary Learning Experiences (MLEs). This visitation was also supported by Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Selangor (MPKS), Perbadanan Adat Melayu Dan Warisan Negeri Selangor (PADAT), and local tour guides. In addition to exploring the heritage sites, the students also had the opportunity to hear historical stories, learn about the history of Kuala Selangor, and try the traditional Malaysian games. The students were excited to practice various traditional games such as Congkak, Sepak Bulu Ayam, Snake and Ladder, Batu Seremban, and more.
At the end of the visit, the students looked forward to working on creating the customized tour packages with heritage trails designed by architecture students to promote heritage tourism at Bukit Melawati and Pekan Lama, Kuala Selangor. The project outcomes will be presented by the students to the local authorities and communities at Bukit Melawati Hill.