THE Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) has expressed its concern over the recent incident involving the way a foreign visitor was poorly treated at KLIA.
The group also lauded the immediate action of Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing who had brought the incident to public attention.
“In a highly-connected digital world, this isolated incident could go viral and affect the country’s image,” said MACEOS president Francis Teo.
“We are concerned that this would affect business visitors’ impression of our country, ultimately putting the business events industry at risk of losing quality business visitors.”
According to Teo, the industry has been badly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic and is currently on the road to recovery.
“With international trade reopening, we see a rise of international participation in trade events organised in the country. Most of these trade exhibitions have a sizeable pavilion from China. News spreading about Malaysia mistreating foreign visitors could seriously jeopardise our recovery efforts,” he added.
During the pandemic, MACEOS had emphasised that business visitors would be among the first to start travelling again due to necessity compared to leisure visitors. This has proven true as conventional and mass-market tourists have not yet fully recovered.
Recent statistics from the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) had further indicated that Malaysia has secured 88 future business events expected to attract 104,834 delegates and contribute an estimated economic impact of RM1.47 bil from 2023–2030.
This month alone, a number of key international trade events will go live, with at least 10,000 international exhibitors, visitors and delegates expected to enter Malaysia.
Teo went on to note that MyCEB had coordinated with the Immigration Department to provide a Business Event Fast Lane for business visitors participating in a business event in Malaysia.
“It’s a good move, but more has to be done. This arrangement does not cover all business travellers as the name list must be submitted one month before the event,” he added.
“We hope that the incident at the airport will not tarnish our image or deter business events visitors from visiting Malaysia.
“In fact, we are eager and look forward to hosting more international business events, ultimately leading to our nation’s economic recovery.” – July 6, 2023
Main pic credit: Nikkei Asia
