By V. Sivaji
The 7th Edition of the Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE) 2024 kicked off at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre earlier today with buyers from across the globe.
The gathering is organized by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
More than 100 buyers from 14 countries, including India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Brunei, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States are attending the gathering.
The event was officiated by the State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai who was accompanied by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau chief executive officer, Ashwin Gunasekeran.
Als present was Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) vice president Dato Khoo Boo Lim, MAH Penang chapter chairman Dato Tony Goh, Ms Carolyn Leong Penang MATTA chairman, Dr Annuar Mohamed MOTAC director for Penang among others.
PITE is a homegrown travel trade event exchange that aims to position Penang as the leading Business Events and Travel Destination in the Asia Pacific.
Wong in his address welcomed the delegates and participants to the event.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome all of you to the 7th edition of the Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE). This year, we are delighted to host over 40 exhibitors from Malaysia and more than 100 buyers from 14 countries.
“Penang has been rated as the top destination for Malaysians’ domestic travel plans in 2024. This is a significant achievement for our state, further solidifying our reputation as a preferred destination for both domestic and international visitors.
“Penang’s average hotel occupancy rate for the first half of 2024 reached an impressive 53.5%, up from 49.2% in the same period of 2023. This rise in occupancy reflects the strong recovery of our tourism industry.
“Furthermore, Penang welcomed 1,431,957 foreign hotel guests in the first half of 2024—a remarkable 29.1% increase compared to 2023. Domestic hotel guests also grew by 10%, rising from 2,170,912 in the first half of 2023 to 2,388,612 in 2024”, shared Wong.
He also added that Penang’s hospitality industry is poised for even greater expansion, with over 10 new star-rated hotels in the pipeline.
Earlier, Ashwin said that the event is more than just a platform to showcase Penang’s appeal as a business events destination.
“It is about building meaningful connections—connections that lead to real, tangible business opportunities. For exhibitors and buyers alike, this event opens doors to new markets, long-term partnerships, and a stronger foothold in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Looking ahead to 2025, we are thrilled about the upcoming Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), which promises to be a game-changer for our business events and tourism sector.
“I would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Penang State Government for their unwavering support. Our Strategic partner, Tourism Malaysia, has been vital to our efforts. I also want to acknowledge our Platinum Partners, St. GilesWembley Penang and Setia SPICE Convention Centre, whose contributions have been instrumental in making PITE 2024 a success”, said Ashwin.
Participants engaged in the B2B session and explored business opportunities to benefit both parties. They were also treated to a fine traditional Indian lunch served on banana leaves.
Participants were also taken on a tour of Penang’s unique attractions like the Penang Hill, Habitat, Entopia, Tropical Spice Garden Craft Batik Workshop among others.