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Sarawak’s business events performance in the fiscal year of 2022 was nothing short of remarkable as the destination’s industry led by Business Events Sarawak surpassed targets on both economic and legacy impact returns. This was announced at BESarawak’s 17th Annual General Meeting on June 28.

In FY2022, the State Convention Fund was revised to the Sarawak Business Events Fund to accommodate all types of business events, enabling Sarawak to secure 100 business events with a projected total economic impact of RM325.3 million, including a direct delegate expenditure of RM177.3 million and tax revenue of RM19.6 million.

Ensuring that the local community benefit from these events, an additional 25,896 jobs are expected. The secured events target exceeded 111 percent while other economic returns exceeded 196 percent.

Face-to-face meetings are back in full swing, and Sarawak hosted 100 business events in the same year fetching RM230.3 million in total economic impact. Direct delegate expenditures injected another RM125.1 million into the economy while 18,275 short- and long-term jobs were created within the last 12 months.

Sarawak also achieved remarkable success in international bidding, securing 100 percent victory in all bids with a projected total economic impact of RM179.4 million and over 14,000 job opportunities on the horizon — making FY2022 the most successful bidding year in the last two years.

FY2022 marked the business events industry’s third year in executing the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. One of the industry’s objectives is to align the PCDS 2030 on securing sustainable, legacy-driven business events from the six priority economic sectors namely manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining and services; and seven enabler sectors such as digital transformation, innovation, education and human capital, basic infrastructure, utilities, transport and renewable energy.

“We stayed on track in securing events of key interests aligned with the Sarawak Government’s objectives of stimulating economic and social growth, while growing our core business, optimising costs and opportunities and strengthening Sarawak’s stakeholder collaborations and talent pool to boost industry competence,” stated BESarawak’s chairman, Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.

“Through business events, Sarawak is laying the foundation for sustainable development with the intention of leaving a transformative impact on local communities for years to come,” continued BESarawak’s chaiman.

Sarawak is becoming widely recognised worldwide as a legacy impact destination. In FY2022 Sarawak’s legacy performance recorded an 82 percent success rate with 91 out of 100 secured events. A total of 485 impacts were identified with the highest on the services, tourism, agriculture, education and human capital, innovation as well as, digital transformation sectors.

In terms of hosted events, all 100 business events were marked as legacy driven, achieving a 100 percent success rate and a total of 553 impacts were recorded.

Between 2006 and 2022, Sarawak hosted 1,082 business events with a total economic impact of RM3.23 billion providing more than 258,000 job opportunities to the local communities.

This year, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has set its target for the UK and European market at 91,200 visitors. This is more than three times the 27,080 recorded in 2022; and makes up 12 per cent of the total number of overseas MICE visitors, 760,000 are targeted for the year.

Thailand’s top five European markets in 2022 were; Germany, the UK, France, the Netherlands, and Italy.

At the recent IMEX 2023 in Frankfurt, Thailand netted 120 leads that may yield 61,141 overseas MICE visitors, of these 109 were for meeting and incentive groups, and 11 for convention groups.

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau revealed that over the three-day show, Thai suppliers recorded 866 appointments with prospective overseas buyers, while TCEB had 94, bringing the total number of appointments to 960.

The leads are from over 10 countries including; Germany, UK, the Netherlands, Kazakhstan, USA, Mexico, and India.

At IMEX 2023, TCEB highlighted two upcoming events, these are the ICCA Annual Congress to be held from November 12 to 15 this year at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, and the Annual Meetings of International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank Group scheduled for 2026 in Bangkok.

These are high-profile global business events that will boost Thailand’s credential as one of the world’s leading MICE destinations.

In a regional survey conducted by Marriott International in Asia-Pacific reveals, young luxury travellers are ditching long-haul travel to explore their own backyard.

Marriott International has coined a term to describe a new generation of travellers set to disrupt the industry over the next few years.

Native Explorers recognises a tribe of affluent millennial and Gen Z travellers in Asia-Pacific who are, bucking the trend by travelling in reverse order to generations before them.  Native Explorers are already well-travelled at a younger age, with one in four, notching up no less than two continents outside of Asia-Pacific by the time they hit 26.

Despite having the means, Native Explorers claim they will be spending their travel dollars closer to home for at least, the next two years, as 85 percent believe, that they have yet to fully discover all the region has to offer.

The survey across Australia, China, Japan, India, Singapore, and South Korea was commissioned to better understand the attitudes of affluent millennial and Gen Z travellers and help luxury brands meet their evolving aspirations.

Now with their sights firmly set on holidays closer to home, Native Explorers rank Japan (52 percent), South Korea (42 percent), and New Zealand (39 percent) as their top three travel destinations.

They are also seeking out the new in familiar hotspots such as Australia (39 percent) and Thailand (32 percent) through a culture-centric lens.

Although one in four Native Explorers would prefer to beat the jetlag and pick nearby, fuss-free holidays, their sense of adventure shouldn’t be  underestimated: 43 percent look for nature escapes and wellness experiences; and 36 percent are looking for hidden cultural gems they have yet to discover.

Native Explorers are redefining what luxury travel means from elusive and exclusive to meaningful connection and experiences. As they transition towards understated and authentic holidays, one in three respondents (37 percent) called out human connection, genuine hospitality, and being part of a community as critical components of luxury travel.

Majority (58 percent) believe once-in-a-lifetime experiences and pinch-me moments are what make the luxury travel experience.

Top picks include VIP access to sold-out concerts of their favorite artists (52 percent) and exclusive culinary workshops with celebrity chefs (36 percent).

While excellence and state-of-the-art facilities are key tenets. Personalisation remains a key deciding factor in choosing, a luxury hotel, with 32 percent expecting bespoke services such as a dedicated travel advisor with 32 percent preferring to stay with hotels that offer tailored itineraries and customized amenities.

Caught between their desires to discover and luxuriate, a staggering nine in 10 respondents prefer to explore the destination with assistance from their luxury hotel, rather than research and hire a local guide of their own.

Almost half (45 percent) prefer to sample local cuisine through the property’s gourmet dining, 39 percent want to experience the local culture through the hotel’s curated programming, and 34 percent are keen to try local wellness rituals available at the hotel spa.

Native Explorers’ thirst for cultural discovery extends to their accommodation choices, with a majority (76 percent) of respondents opting for hotels and resorts with destination-inspired concepts.

Brand affinity remains key for Native Explorers with approximately one in three opting for destination-inspired abodes under an established luxury brand.

Today June 7, is the Global Exhibitions Day, and is the eighth edition of GED since it was first set up in 2016.

This year, the GED has adopted the theme of: We run the meeting places and marketplaces for everyone.

Held annually, the Global Exhibitions Day is celebrated on the first Wednesday of June. Its open to everyone who wants to increase the visibility of the exhibition industry locally, regionally or on a global scale.

In recent years, Industry players in over 100 countries and regions around the world, have keenly participated in activating the Global Exhibitions Day.

Consumers in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area known as the Greater Bay Area or GBA, experienced three days of fashion and stylish shopping with the opening of the Chic Hong Kong shopping festival on May 26.

Jointly hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government held at the COCO Park shopping mall in Shenzhen’s Futian District, the event is the first large-scale promotion of Hong Kong consumer goods in the GBA following the complete lifting of border-crossing restrictions.

Nearly 80 exhibitors with over 130 Hong Kong brands showcased “Hong Kong style” across food, lifestyle, and fashion.

The event was organised by HKTDC GBA Centre, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shenzhen Municipal Committee, Commerce Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, and The People’s Government of Futian District, with the support of Cyberspace Administration of Shenzhen Municipality, PRD Council of Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Guangdong, Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce Qianhai, and the Greater Bay Area International Development Authority.

Comprised three themed exhibition areas: Chic Living; Chic Style; and Chic Taste, products on show encompassed a wide range including, consumer electronics and technology products, smart home goods, fashionable clothing and accessories, as well as food, beverages, and health products.

Among the nearly 80 exhibitors, 40 percent made their debut in the mainland market, using this event as a springboard to establish business ties.

The event featured Hong Kong brands and “chic” items based on innovation, sustainable design, green and healthy living, original design with trendy elements.

Altogether, over 100 activities were opened to the public including the grand finals of the ‘9+2’ street dance competition, a  demonstration of KamCha Hong Kong Style Milk Tea brewing, Capella performances, freestyle basketball displays, close-up magic shows, a parade featuring stilt-walking magicians, flash mobs, hip-hop performances, and portrait painting.

HKTDC invited a number of social media influencers from Guangdong and Hong Kong to join and support the event with daily live-streaming about what the event has to offer consumers and features on their personal favourite products.

Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, has been selected as the host of the International Choir Competition, Forum and Workshop 2025 organised by the German cultural organisation, INTERKULTUR.

INTERKULTUR a leading organiser of international choir competitions and festivals and has been making decisive contributions to the choral world for decades. It was founded in 1988, and INTERKULTUR has to date organised more than 10,000 choirs with 450,000 singers from all over the world.

According to INTERKULTUR, Sarawak’s rich, multi-ethnic culture makes it the perfect destination for the competition, especially with its reputation for hosting the renowned Rainforest World Music Festival which attracts approximately 20,000 music revellers every year.

“Music is an inherent part of Sarawak’s culture since we are a culturally and linguistically diverse part of Asia,” said Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts. “Traditional and ethnic music is an important part of our cultural gatherings.”

INTERKULTUR events are centred on the belief that singing unites different cultures and worldviews according to their motto: ‘Singing together brings nations together’.

The International Choir Competition in Kuching, Sarawak is expected to attract a total of 1,000 participants of which 200 are from the local choral communities while, 800 international participants are expected to join the event.

“INTERKULTUR’s philosophy is that choral singing is a socially inclusive activity that is free from discrimination and prejudice,” expressed INTERKULTUR’s vice president, Mr. Stefan Bohlander. “Sarawak is well known for its peaceful and welcoming attitude which is a priority for INTERKULTUR events. We believe that the International Choir Competition will boost mutual respect and understanding between cultures.”

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on April 21 in Portugal between GTEF and UNWTO to elevate their cooperation in tourism, economy and culture.

The MoU was witnessed by chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Ho Iat Seng with the World Tourism Organization represented by the secretary-general Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, and chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, Ms. Pansy Ho.

“We believe that with the elevated collaboration, we will further contribute to the long-term sustainable development of the global tourism and related industries as well as promoting the diversified development of Macao,” said Mr. Lei Wai Nong, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR Government.

Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili stated that the Gobal Tourism Economy Forum will be the platform to bring together governments, business leaders, international organisations and entrepreneurs.

While Ms.Pansy Ho remarked: “In 2023, the GTEF will celebrate its 10 year milestone. In our next decade, we hope to establish the GTEF as the “Davos of Tourism” — embodying the Davos mission of openness and cooperation.”

The main participants of the MoU were the Chinese Embassy in Portugal, Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade of Portugal, Portugal Tourism Board, Portuguese Association of Travel Agencies and Tourism, Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and six integrated tourism and leisure enterprises from Macao.

The 10th GTEF will convene in Macao in late September 2023.  Shanghai is invited to join the 10th GTEF as the ‘Featured Chinese City’. At the same time, GTEF has also invited Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of the four biggest economies in Europe, to be its Partner Country this year.

Beginning in 2024, the location for GTEF will alternate each year, between other international destinations and Macao, to promote international cooperation and cultural exchange, as well as  strengthen GTEF’s international status.

The 10th Anak Sarawak Awards will be presented on the night of May 12 with ‘Passion Inspires Legacies’ as the theme, and a total of nine awards will be given away.

One of the highlights of this year’s Anak Sarawak Awards is the Sarawak Legacy Award – the newest category introduced to acknowledge conventions that focus on environmental, social and governance agendas – prioritizing legacy as its long-term result.

Another major highlight to look forward is the launching of Malaysia’s first-ever Business Events Sarawak Legacy Ambassador Programme, a community of influential business events and legacy advocates in developing social and economic transformation through business event legacies. The first group of ambassadors will be revealed during the launch.

An annual event, the Anak Sarawak Awards, celebrate the achievement of outstanding individuals and organisations in the business events industry who have contributed significantly to Sarawak’s economic development.

The main tourism event of the year in Central Asia, KITF 2023, will be held from April 19 to 21 in Almaty and takes place, at the pavilions of the Atakent Kazakhstan Center for Business Cooperation.

This year marks the 21st edition of the exposition a single business platform, for industry experts and leaders, including tourism associations, tour operators and travel agents, airlines and air agencies, hotels and resorts, business leaders, opinion leaders and travel bloggers.

More than 200 companies from 22 countries from around the world are expected to participate in the exposition. National and regional stands from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Vietnam, Georgia, Jordan, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Novgorod region of the Russian Federation, Slovenia, Croatia and South Korea, Gyeonggi Province.

Each country will introduce guests their national flavor of tourism and recreation at the exhibition.  Also companies from Greece, Egypt, India, UAE, Russia, Seychelles, Thailand, Turkey and Japan are expected to be present in their independent and collective stands.

For the first time, delegates and visitors to the exhibition can discover tourism destinations of three new regions of Kazakhstan, which were founded by a presidential decree in 2022.  They are the Abai, Jetisu and and the Ulytau regions. On the overall, 16 regions of Kazakhstan and two cities of republican significance will participate at the exhibition.

Once again, the KITF medical tourism section,  open to professionals will demonstrate the intricacies of the workings in the medical field with products for treatment and rehabilitation from countries like Azerbaijan, Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, Russia. Slovenia, Turkey, Uzbekistan and South Korea.

During the three days, a business program is scheduled  which will include seminars and presentations from exhibitors, training programs, master classes of the participants of the exhibition and marketing activities right at the exhibition stands.

This year’s conference will be presented in a completely new format of a large-scale KITF Travel Forum, organised with the support of Travel Success Academy. KITF Travel Forum is an active live communication, networking, and strategic sessions, as well as training cases from top industry professionals.

Official partner of the KITF 2023 exhibition is KOMPAS while the partner for the business program of the exhibition is Travel Success Academy.

Organiser of the exhibition is ITECA, the Kazakhstan Exhibition Company and its international partner ICA Events group of companies.

You can find out more about KITF 2023 on the website: www.kitf.kz

For a free ticket to visit the exhibition is by online registration at the http://expo.kz/KITF2023