Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow pointed out that the cooperation between the state government and the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) successfully organized a record 604 events, nearly three times the number last year, and is expected to bring an economic impact of RM1.033 billion.
Speaking at the 2023 Penang Business Annual Review held by the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau last night, he said that Penang’s commitment to progress does not stop there, and the state government is ready to position Penang as a regional (possibly global) business tourism center.
He pointed out that business activities are an important source of income, and the authorities are determined to focus on this area and strive to create a favorable macroeconomic environment for business activities and enhance the overall tourism experience.
“Projects such as the Penang International Airport expansion, LRT, Penang Hill Cable Car, and Gurney Bay are underway to support this vision.”
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee Chairman Huang Hanwei said that business travel will account for 40% of Penang’s gross tourism product in 2023. A total of 93 events were held in May last year, 32,405 delegates were received in August, and a total of 140,000 in September 9,705 rooms were booked.
“These numbers underscore the economic recovery.”
He said Penang’s commitment to developing the business events industry is unwavering and seeks to realize its full potential through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts.
Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau chief executive Ai Hee Ling said the association hopes the government can waive the tourism tax and strengthen external publicity to promote Penang’s development vitality.
Attendees were the new directors of the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau, namely Pengkalan Kota state assemblyman Wang Yu Hang, Botanical Gardens state assemblyman Li Wen Xing and Penang Directorate General Manager Datin Parati.
