Despite the global endemic, Penang has started to prepare to receive tourists by taking part in the AVIAREPS Southeast Asia Virtual Roadshow held on Jan 20 to 21st, 2021, a virtual tourism exhibition.
Among the participants were from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and Myanmar.
The virtual tourism exhibition attracted over 530 leading outbound travel trade professionals from the ASEAN region.
Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, Yeoh Soon Hin said that the participation was part of the state’s initiative to use digital platform for destination promotion under tourism recovery plan.
“This first of its kind virtual exhibition was an alternative to the originally planned real-life fair for buyers and sellers from Southeast Asia to discuss their travel business affairs. It is an example of the effective use of digital platforms and exploration of virtual opportunities which are exceptionally important in this new normal,” said Yeoh in a press statement.
Under Penang Global Tourism’s (PGT) pavilion, representatives from the Malaysia Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang Chapter, Association of Tourism Attractions Penang (ATAP) and Malaysia Association of Tours and Travel Agents (MATTA) Penang Chapter also participated in the event.
The exhibition’s fully 3D environment allowed both sellers and buyers to interact using their individual avatar, providing an almost real-exhibition like experience and a safe avenue in the comfort of everyone’s choice locations without border limitations.
It was also touted as one of the largest single travel trade show in the region held since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020.
“This proves that the Southeast Asian tourism industry is resilient and eager to bounce back stronger than ever before. It was a great opportunity for all the participants of the ASEAN region to reconnect with one another and to experience its very first, fully 3D Avatar Virtual Roadshow” added Yeoh.
Chairman of Association of Tourism Attractions Penang (ATAP) Ch’ng Huck Theng applauded the virtual event and said that he could reach out to the attendees around him freely and exchange business cards.
Meanwhile, the Malaysia Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang Chapter Chairman Raj Kumar said that the debut of this creative and interactive 3D virtual roadshow has received encouraging response from Singapore and other nations.
