The 5th edition of the Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE) organised by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) was launched earlier today by State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Yeoh Soon Hin.
Present were 80 buyers from 14 countries. Among them were representatives from Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Dubai, Germany, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, Turkey and of course Malaysia.
“PITE 2022 is a strong message that Penang is safe, ready and moving progressively to rejuvenate and reactivate the business events industry.
“The business-to-business (B2B) sessions and networking events will also include familiarisation trips to provide buyers a better understanding of Penang’s breathtaking attractions.
“We are also looking forward to expanding this tradeshow and position it as a globally recognised trade event,” said PCEB chief executive officer Aswin Gunasekeran in his opening address.
Meanwhile, Yeoh added that his office has taken steps to ensure tourism is sustainable by incorporating the idea of “Responsible Tourism” into the travel and tourism sector post pandemic.
“There is an evident shift in consumers’ spending from goods to services when they travel. After two years of hiatus, people are eager to go outside and stay longer at their destinations,” added Yeoh.
He added his office will continue to drive towards making the travel industry as the foundation of the state’s economy with the intention to increase employment, attract new investments, foster new and current talents and strengthen the local community.
Other stakeholders lending support was Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) national vice president, Dato Khoo Boo Lim, Penang director for the Ministry of Tourism ,Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Jonathan Freddy Bagang, MAH Penang chairman, Tony Goh, Tourism Malaysia Penang director Shahrul Aman, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) CEO Ooi Chok Yan, Datin S. Bharati, deputy general manager of Penang Chief Minister of Penang Incorporated (CMI ) among others.
The two-day event ends tomorrow.
