THE state government, together with the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), hosted a total of 281 events last year, achieving RM375 million in estimated economic impact (EEI).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this during the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) Business Events Penang Annual Review 2022 launch at The George today.
“The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry holds a huge potential in contributing significantly to the economic growth of the state and nation.
“I am proud to share that the state government, together with the PCEB, hosted a total of 281 events last year, achieving RM375 million in estimated economic impact (EEI).
“This is a substantial improvement compared to the domestic EEI of RM14.1 million in 2021.
“I am glad that despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the business events industry in Penang has bounced back swiftly.
“This resilience is a testament to the industry’s agility and perseverance in advancing towards a digital and innovative environment,” Chow added.
He also said that the state government would continue to focus on the recovery efforts for sectors affected by the pandemic.
“Over the past year since the reopening of the international borders, I am glad to know that the tourism sector in Penang is bouncing back.
“According to YB Yeoh (state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin), we have achieved 65% of what we had during the pre-pandemic phase.
“Just like YB Yeoh, I am also confident that by end of this year, we can surpass what we had during the pre-pandemic phase.
“So, for that, we need to work harder and together to be stronger,” he said.
Chow also said that he looks forward to welcoming more international high-value and high-impact events into Penang.
“I strongly believe that the future of the business events industry in our state is promising and by working together we can achieve our shared objectives of economic growth, innovation, and social progress.
“Events that take place can potentially leave legacies to enhance our destination, and this can be done as Penang’s brand is constantly made present through the efforts of PCEB and Business Events Penang.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the PCEB as well as the industry players for their trust and confidence in the state government as they continuously venture and grow the business events for Penang,” he added.
Chow hoped that the annual review from PCEB would act as a blueprint and guide for recreating the foundation and strategies for future businesses.
Meanwhile, Yeoh who was also present, said he has initiated a Penang Aviation Strategic Planning that aimed at attracting more direct flights to the state.
He said by increasing the number of direct flights, Penang could become more accessible and attractive to tourists and business travellers.
“We had organised a promotional trip to Chennai and had the opportunity to meet their travel fraternity which shared the market readiness in India and expressed their concern about flight accessibility to Penang.
“In 2019, I initiated direct flight possibilities with several key airlines in India.
“However, the pandemic halted the plans and we are looking forward to rebooting the plans to kick-start this initiative.
“Recently, I see the silver lining for this initiative as it captured the attention of the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi.
“He has instructed the Minister of Aviation, to study the possibility of connectivity between Chennai and Penang,” Yeoh added.
PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said for the year 2022, there were a total of 57,812 business travellers who stayed a total of 181,066 hotel nights in Penang.
“This shows a promising recovery that the industry is making, and we are looking forward to a greater number in the coming years.
“Moving forward, PCEB will be expanding its strategies into the exhibitions industry as well as tapping the potential of homegrown events, which can garner an international appeal.
“This is in line with the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre which is set to be in operation in early 2025.
“This will be an excellent addition to the bureau’s focus on driving growth and development in the exhibitions industry,” Ashwin added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siew Chia En