MyCEB Remains Confident Of Attracting More Business Events

KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia expects tourist arrivals to reach 36 million by 2020 and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) is confident of garnering at least eight per cent of that number for business events that it will support, says Chief Executive Officer Zulkefli Sharif. Last year, five per cent of the tourists arriving in Malaysia came to attend more than the 200 business events it supported which translated into an estimated economic impact value of US$333.70 million (RM1.3 billion). "This year, we remain confident of the business, against the backdrop of an economic slowdown, and especially with our strategic partnership agreement with the national carrier, the Malaysia Airlines Bhd," he told reporters after a signing ceremony here Monday. MyCEB and Malaysia Airlines took a leap forward by joining forces in the realm of business tourism and major events through a one-year exclusive partnership in the area of sales and marketing to jointly harness on mutually beneficial business opportunities. Zulkefli said with the formalisation of the agreement, both parties would work together to strengthen Malaysia's business tourism and bid for more international business events in the country namely in the oil and gas and, medical sector. He said with the help of Malaysia Airlines, MyCEB hoped to secure more business events from China, India and Indonesia. "We managed 42 international events last year which attracted 279,392 patrons, raking in an impressive tourist expenditure of US$115.31 million (RM449 million). "This year, we are targeting at least 50 events or more," Zulkefli said. Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines Head of Sales Laurent Recoura (picture) said the national carrier was delighted to be partnering MyCEB for this important market segment. "As the country's national airline, we are fully supportive of the country being the leading destination for business events and tourism. "Guests who choose Malaysia for business tourism will have the opportunity to benefit from the internationally accredited conference facilities within the beautiful and tranquil setting of Malaysia. "Our comprehensive network within the country is the perfect complement to this, as the best way to fly to, from and around Malaysia," he said. Recoura opined that the partnership would boost Malaysia Airlines' plan to become profitable by 2018 as mentioned by Prime Minister Najib Razak, recently. The premier was reported as saying that the national carrier, which suffered financial losses in recent years, would experience strong revenue growth and begin reaping profits by 2018. (photoBERNAMA) --BERNAMA