Tattoo industry can be a tourism pull for Melaka, say body art fans

MELAKA: Local body art enthusiasts are hoping to promote the tattoo industry as a tourism attraction in Melaka.

Melaka International Tattoo Convention organiser Lydia Urmila Murty said a recent tattoo expo at a leading hotel here saw more than 1,500 enthusiasts from Italy, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam flocking to the state.

“The event was a showcase of geometric designs, colourful motifs and intriguing artwork,” she said on Monday (Sept 11).

Murty said body tattoos are also part and parcel of indigenous culture in Sabah and Sarawak.

“We are passionate about promoting our love for the art,” she said, adding that this niche market has the potential to be expanded into a tourist attraction.

“We can also attract world-class tattoo artists from around the globe to visit Melaka,” she said.

Regarding last month’s convention, Murty said it was meant to create a positive outlook towards body art and promote an appreciation for tattoo artists.

“It was to showcase the work on human skin as well as exchange knowledge and expertise,” she said.

Murty said the event kicked off with a welcome gathering at The Bella Donna, an outdoor cafe in the Portuguese Settlement at Ujong Pasir here.

There was also a competition held over three days with an international panel of judges.

Apart from body art, the exhibition also featured cultural and musical performances, Murty added.