Penang sets out to woo overseas markets

PENANG has launched its own B2B travel mart with the aim of promoting the destination to overseas markets (TTG Asia e-Daily, June 4, 2012).

Being held at the Hotel Equatorial Penang from July 4-6, the inaugural Penang International Travel Mart (PITM) takes place just one month after the first-ever Malaysia International Travel Exchange in Kuala Lumpur.

Starting on a small scale with 23 Penang sellers and 50 overseas buyers from 13 countries, Penang State Tourism is aiming for PITM to become an annual affair –with April 25-26 already marked out for next year's event.

Penang State Minister for Tourism Development & Culture, Danny Law, also wants PITM to become more regional in scope, and plans to invite other ASEAN countries to participate as exhibitors.

Commenting on the mart, Association of Tourism Attractions Penang chairman, Gino Ooi, said: "It is impossible for all my members to go overseas for promotion. So bringing in buyers from overseas (for PITM) is the most cost-effective way for my members."

Sourced: ttgasia