Published on : Friday, January 5, 2018
Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) with Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) in efforts to promote Penang as a preferred Business Events destination. The agreement signing was conducted between the Chief Executive Officer of PCEB, Ashwin Gunasekeran, and the Head of Sales of Malaysia Airlines, Yeoh Hock Thye, and witnessed by the Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng.
PCEB and its industry partners will benefit from Malaysia Airlines’s global network and connectivity, giving Penang the competitive edge in attracting new businesses and securing bid for international business events.
“With Malaysia Airlines as a strategic partner, Penang is able to provide value-added service to Business Events organisers, especially in terms of special rates for flights. For select events, PCEB is in talks with Malaysia Airlines for charter flights. This bodes well for Penang when we go in for bids,” said Lim Guan Eng.
Chief Executive Officer of PCEB, Ashwin Gunasekeran added, “With Malaysia Airlines as our partner, we look forward to developing new businesses in our key markets, namely India, China, Europe and Australia.”
Through this strategic partnership, Malaysia Airlines will be joining PCEB in all the trade events and road shows that the bureau attends, creating a greater brand presence for the national carrier.
Chief Commercial Officer of Malaysia Airlines Berhad, Arved von zur Muehlen said, “Malaysia Airlines is delighted to be partnering PCEB for this important market segment. As the country’s national airline, we are fully supportive of the country as the leading destination for Business Events and tourism and we are committed to ensure Malaysia’s market share for the MICE industry is enhanced. Guests who choose Malaysia and Penang for business tourism will have the opportunity to benefit from the internationally accredited conference facilities within the beautiful and tranquil setting of Penang. Our comprehensive network within the country is the perfect complement to this, as the best way to fly to, from and around Malaysia. Currently Malaysia Airlines flies 45 times weekly into Penang and able to carry about 7,200 visitors per week”.
Business Events is a rising economic sector in Penang, contributing RM808 million to the economy in 2016 and over RM1 billion in 2017. Penang is the leading second-tier Malaysian destination for Business Events, and is one of the leading destinations in the region.
Source:- ICCA
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