– A Collaborative Platform for Industry Players to Gain Greater Access to the International Business Tourism Market
Kuala Lumpur, 5 April 2011 – The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has recently launched its Industry Partner Programme (IPP) to further strengthen Malaysia’s competitive position in the global business tourism1 market.
MyCEB will be rolling out a series of cooperative programmes across the country to provide business opportunities for partners and to increase Malaysia’s success rate in securing international business events.
Mr Rashidi Hasbullah, Deputy Secretary-General, Ministry of Tourism who represented the Minister of Tourism Malaysia, YB Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen at the launch said, “The business tourism segment has been identified as one of the Entry Point Projects (EPPs) under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) and is targeted to contribute significantly to the overall national Gross Domestic Product. Business tourism arrivals are estimated to grow from five percent to eight percent of overall tourist arrivals, an increase from 1.2 million to 2.9 million by year 2020.”
“To achieve these objectives and to secure more business events for the country, we need the collaborative voice of the Malaysian business tourism industry. It is crucial that we collectively strengthen our knowledge, expertise and quality of service delivery in order to compete effectively globally. Our goal is to provide world’s best practices in service delivery as well as product innovation and development,” commented Mr Zulkefli Hj Sharif, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau.
“The Industry Partner Programme has been launched to act as a platform to engage with and to encourage cooperation amongst the industry players,” added Mr Zulkefli.
“Becoming an industry partner can be highly advantageous for a local player. Besides enhancing its company profile, the IPP’s wide range of sales and marketing initiatives can help propel companies into the lucrative international business tourism market,” he said. “Partners will also be privy to vital market intelligence, gain valuable professional networks and be featured in various promotional activities initiated by MyCEB.”
Key highlights of the IPP include:
Business opportunities through cooperative sales and marketing platforms under the destination umbrella
Access to sales leads and business referrals
Professional development opportunities
Knowledge, ideas and market intelligence sharing platforms
Product development programmes
The Industry Partner Programme is opened to Malaysia-based business tourism product and service providers including venue and accommodation providers, conference and event management companies, transport operators, tour and leisure companies as well as industry associations.
