ASIA – Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) says it surpassed its targeted bid wins in 2013 with a record 57 convention wins that are estimated to contribute an estimate direct delegate expenditure of RM41.6m (US$12m) to the state of Sarawak; an increase of 26.7 per cent from 2012.
Since its inception in 2006, SCB has secured a total of 277 bids contributing an estimated RM270m of direct delegate expenditure to Sarawak.
“The bureau’s success would not have been possible without the continuous support from our clients, industry partners plus Federal and State Governments who have worked together to raise Sarawak’s profile as a business events destination,” said Chairman of SCB, YB Dato Sri Dr Muhd. Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah. “Moreover, Sarawak has enjoyed the benefits of infrastructure development and upgrade, global knowledge exchange and increased job opportunities for the local communities.”
The major conventions secured in 2013 include the International Energy Week (2014), International Conference of the International Vocational Education and Training Association (2015), 55th ICCA Annual General Assembly (2016), 13th Asia Pacific Orchid Conference and Show (2019) and the Asian Confederation for Physiotherapy (2016).
Kuching hosted the 33rd ASEAN Tourism Forum, 16 January 2014, which attracted over 1,600 delegates, including 879 sellers from ASEAN countries, and 462 international buyers to Sarawak. Organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia in collaboration with the State Government of Sarawak and ASEAN Tourism Association.
The ATF 2014 was the first main business event of more than 20 such activities planned for Sarawak; and the first of more than 200 activities planned for ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2014’, where 28m arrivals and RM76bn in tourism income are expected.
The ATF 2014 also saw the presentation of the ASEAN Green Hotel Award that recognised 86 hotels in the region for their efforts towards environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
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