Malaysia launches subvention for the first time

As tipped by TTGmice last month, Malaysia's tourism ministry is introducing a two-year subvention programme from 2011 worth RM100 million (US$32.3 million) to help the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) attract more international conventions. In order to qualify, conventions must comprise at least 20 per cent international delegates and chalk up a minimum of 1,000 roomnights. 

MyCEB, CEO, Zulkefli Sharif said the programme included both financial as well as non-financial aid such as on-site support, event marketing and delegate boosting. Said Zulkefli: "The subvention programme will provide a significant boost to Malaysia’s business tourism industry. Besides supporting the nation’s bid for international meetings, it will also help to stimulate growth in business tourism arrivals and foreign exchange earnings." Malaysia aims to grow business tourism arrivals from five per cent of overall tourist arrivals in 2009 (1.2 million) to eight per cent by 2020 (2.9 million). Anthony Wong, group managing director, Asian Overland Services Tourism & Hospitality group, said: "This is just what we need to compete on a global level to attract more international meetings to Malaysia." 

-TTG Asia.