BUSINESS tourism is a “force to be reckoned with” in Malaysia as officials expect an economic impact in the region of US$378 million to be delivered from upcoming 152 events.
Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and industry partners secured the events, which will bring more than 102,000 conference and business event delegates.
“Business events is a major contributor to the country as a destination and its people in terms of economy. It is an undeniable force to be reckoned with,” said MyCEB chief executive, Zulkefli Hj Sharif, at the opening of Malaysia Business Events Week, the convention bureau’s flagship conference and exhibition.
Held for the fifth year, MBEW 2019 adopted the theme “Progressive Momentum” to reflect the vibrancy of the country’s business tourism sector.
Officiated by Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, deputy minister of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, MBEW 2019 took place on August 28 at Shangri-la Hotel Kuala Lumpur with nearly 200 local and international delegates attending.
“This year is special for us as MBEW is held in conjunction with the World Tourism Conference 2019. The WTC 2019 is a signature event of Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) where tourism will have an even bigger voice to amplify its importance for the country and its people,” said the MyCEB CEO.
“Last year, MyCEB together with our industry partners managed to secure 152 future events comprising of international conferences, incentive groups, association meetings, and trade exhibitions that will translate into an estimated economic impact of RM 1.58 billion [about US$378 million] and the arrival of 102,211 international delegates. It is an undeniable force to be reckoned with.”
Speakers MBEW 2019 included Jonathan Low, Leadership Success Coach at Global Success Learning Academy, along with teambuilding experts David Fotheringham and Mark Stanley, who both represented Asia Ability.
Moving towards sustainable event practices to reduce the usage of plastic and non-recyclable items, MBEW 2019 featured a new initiative with its hashtag campaign #mbeNOWASTAGE. Participants were encouraged to bring their own water bottle throughout the day.
MBEW 2019 also coincided with World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2019 which served as a platform to explored fresh potential in the tourism sector.
