Bureau wins 42 conventions worth almost RM55 million

0

KUCHING: The Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) achieved a remarkable success with an impressive strike rate of 80 per cent this year by winning 42 new conventions.

APPRECIATION NIGHT: Dr Chan (back row, fourth left) and Toyad (back row, fifth left) at a photo call with the convention hosts with their awards. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapha

Stating this during the SCB Appreciation Awards for Convention Host dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last night, SCB chairman Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad said the 42 conventions were expected to bring in 26,925 delegates from outside Sarawak.

“The conventions will also generate RM54,758,684 in delegate expenditure and a total of 99.520 room nights.

“Fronting a convention bid is a daunting prospect for everyone. Destinations around the world fiercely compete for this lucrative business as the rewards in terms of economic benefits are there for all to see,” he said.

He however said that local host must first agree to take up the bid and has the responsibility to deliver a successful event.

He nonetheless thanked the convention host for their commitment and dedication, adding that 2010 has been a successful year in the fledging meetings industry.

“We at the bureau are humbled by the trust given by the past convention hosts, and for those whose events have yet to take place, let me assure you that we are committed to deliver the best convention in our own special Sarawak style,” he said.

Among the 42 convention bids won by SCB were the 50th MD 308 Lions Convention, 10th Congress Asia Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (APPFSSH 2014, Rwo Shr Health International Conference 2010, Asia Infrastructure 2011 Expo and Conference, Malaysia Dental Association Conference and Trade Exhibition, Global Conference 2011, The Borneo International Culinary & Hospitality Week, 9th Asian Pacific Orthodontic Congress and the Fourth World Conference in Science and Technology Education.

Since 2006, SCB has successfully won 132 conventions with an expected 66,222 delegates coming to the state to spend 236,809 delegate days.

The conventions derived since 2006 until 2010 are expected to generate RM147,813,279 million in delegate expenditure.

The dinner yesterday, themed ‘Night of the Pharaohs-Victory Feast’ was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, and Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau chief executive officer Zulkefli Sharif.