Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow officiated the “Business Events Penang 2024 Annual Review” hosted by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).held at the Iconic Marjorie Hotel here
In attendance was representatives from the hospitality industry partners tourism stakeholders in the state
Also present was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai, YB Wong Yuee Harng, YB Lee Boon Heng, Datin S Bharathi, Dato Khoo Boo Lim, Dato Tony Goh, Ashwin Gunasekeran (CEO PCEB), Tourism Malaysia Northern Region Director Abdul Hadi Che Man among others.
Chow in his opening speech said that the event marks as a testament to their collective efforts in making Penang a top-tier destination for business events and tourism.
“In 2024, Penang hosted a total of 2,059 business events, welcoming 305,259 delegates and generating 558,543 room nights. The Estimated Economic Impact (EEI) reached an impressive RM1.29 billion, marking a significant contribution to our local economy.
“This surge is a testament to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, including government agencies, industry partners, and the dedicated team at the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
“The success of such high-profile events is underpinned by robust infrastructure and strategic planning. I am pleased to report significant progress in key projects that will elevate Penang’s status as a world-class business events hub.
“As Chief Minister, I am proud to witness our state hosting significant ASEAN meetings this year, encompassing working, senior official, and ministerial levels across various strategic sectors, including security, economy, investment, trade, education, and youth development.
“This extensive engagement positions Penang as a pivotal hub for regional and international events, leveraging Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship to attract global attention and investment.
“In alignment with the ambitious Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, which aims to welcome 35.6 million tourists and generate RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts, Penang’s active role in ASEAN events is expected to significantly boost our tourism sector. The influx of international delegates and visitors will not only elevate our hospitality and service industries but also showcase Penang’s unique cultural and economic offerings,” said Chow.
Meanwhile, Wong in his speech said that 2024 was a busy year and together with PCEB worked hard to market Penang globally.
“We have also achieved a significant milestone as the Penang International Airport is the second busiest after Kuala Lumpur International Airport. I also congratulate PCEB for winning three awards last year,” saud Wong.
Ashwin shared that in 2024, the number of delegates attending events in Penang surged by an impressive 87.3% compared to the previous year, soaring from 162,964 to 305,259 participants.
“This remarkable growth not only underscores Penang’s rising prominence as a preferred destination for business events but also reflects the industry’s resilience and dynamic expansion. The influx of delegates has significantly boosted the local economy, driving increased demand for hotels, transportation, dining, and tourism-related services, thereby creating a positive ripple effect across multiple sectors.
“We also thank our valued partners for continuously contributing valuable data to us. Your ongoing support is crucial in strengthening our market intelligence, allowing us to analyze trends effectively and make well-informed strategic decisions,” he said.
Selected hotels were also presented with certificates of appreciation for their contribution and support towards the efforts of PCEB.
Guests were also treated to a fine dinner.
