SOUTH KOREA The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) rolled out the Malaysia Twin Deal programme last week, introducing the initiative in Seoul and Busan during a road show designed to entice South Korean event organisers and meeting planners to put Malaysia on their destination short list.
“We are targeting 13,500 arrivals to come here for corporate meetings and incentives by the end of the one-year campaign period,” said Ho Yoke Ping, MyCEB general manager of sales and manager.
The bureau has noted an encouraging growth of business events from South Korea last year with companies such as Prudential Korea, LG Ericsson Korea, SK Telecom, Woongjin Coway Co and Woori Bank holding events in Malaysia. The largest was an incentive tour hosted by the Korean Ministry of Education attended by more than 1,000 delegates.
The first component of the Twin Deal programme offers value-added support for groups, including a complimentary cultural entertainment during the welcome or gala dinner, fast-track immigration clearance, partial F&B sponsorship, police escorts during various transfers and special welcome packs containing a souvenir made from Malaysian batik.
“The programme is tailor made for market needs as what works in one market may not work in the other,” said Ho, adding that for groups to qualify for the value-added offerings, they must have a minimum of 50 people staying at least three nights in Malaysia.
The second component offers rewards for corporate and incentive planners based on the cumulative number of participants. They will be able to redeem vacation packages to Kuala Lumpur, inclusive of return air tickets, 5-star accommodation, spa session and other perks.
“We feel that this is an effective campaign to motivate and convince Korean planners in presenting Malaysia as the next incentive destination,” Ho added.
To avail of the offer, confirmed bookings must be made from now until April 2013 with group arrival set between now and December 31, 2013.
Malaysia Twin Deal has been introduced in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia and Europe. To date, it has brought 9,000 people to the country.
Gigi Onag
