Wooing Australia's corporate meetings & incentive planners

KUALA LUMPUR – In partnership with Malaysian Airlines, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) recently hosted a familiarisation trip for 10 Australian corporate meetings & incentive planners. During the six-day trip, planners were introduced to a range of both purpose built and unique events venues in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi.

Attendees experienced a mix of the modern and old-world charm of the city of Kuala Lumpur. The group viewed the contemporary meetings facilities at locations including: The Majestic Hotel, The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and Aloft Kuala Lumpur among others. To absorb the historical elements of Kuala Lumpur city, planners were taken on the Kuala Lumpur Heritage Trail where they visited the Sin Sze Ya Temple and took part in a tea making ceremony. Other places visited include the Royal Selangor Pewter Factory and Batu Caves.

The second part of the trip took place in Langkawi, where the group was inspired by a different side of Malaysia by the ‘Jewel of Kedah’. Highlights included the scenic view from the Panorama Skybridge and a sunset dinner aboard the Crystal Yacht. To immerse in local culture, the planners participated in traditional activities at a Malay Kampung (Village) such as a cook-out and a ketupat (dumpling made from rice pack wrapped in a woven palm leaf pouch and boiled) weaving session. Hotels visited in Langkawi included The Westin Langkawi and The Andaman Langkawi.

Ms Ho Yoke Ping, General Manager of Sales & Marketing, MyCEB, comments, “Familiarization trips are one of our most effective experiential initiatives used to highlight the range of facilities  Malaysia has to offer to the global business events arena. By experiencing Malaysia firsthand, we hope that the Australian corporate and incentive planners will be able to spread the word about our unique offerings to their clients.” 

On experiencing Malaysia, Jossi Sinni a planner from Esri Australia said, “I truly feel welcomed here. I love the genuine hospitality and definitely the food.” Another participant, Nick Millis from Offsite Connections Events Solutions enthused, “(Malaysia) has some of the world’s best cities all in one country. Within KL itself, there’s an array of shopping districts, amazing food and culture, world-class hotels and fantastic purpose-built convention centres. There are not many destinations in the world that have everything in one central hub.”

Sourced: TravelDailyNews