WITM Asia-ITHF 2014: Malaysia And Indonesia Joint Effort

By Anthony Tan | VIRGIN Communications

email: anthonykhtan@yahoo.co.uk

The joint efforts by WITM Event Sdn Bhd from Malaysia and Rajamice of Indonesia will see a combination of the WORLD ISLAMIC TOURISM MART (WITM) and INDONESIA TRAVEL and HOLIDAY FAIR (ITHF).

Claiming to be the largest new Islamic travel and tourism industry expo in Indonesia and the region, WITM ASIA-ITHF 2014 will be held at the Karthika Expo, Balai Kartini from 24-26 October 2014 under the concept of a trade mart and consumer travel fair.
 

It will be a golden opportunity for the travel and tourism industry players to meet, network and expand into new tourism market segments, especially with the focus on Islamic tourism not only in the Southeast Asia region but also globally.

 



Bapak Dr Sapta Nirwandar

At a  press conference held in Jakarta recently, the Vice-Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia Dr Sapta Nirwandar encouraged the travel and tourism industry players of Indonesia to participate and take this opportunity to network with the foreign trade buyers in order to bring into Indonesia more foreign tourists, especially from the Islamic countries.

This event has the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, Tourism Malaysia, Indonesia Tourism, Islamic Tourism Centre besides partner airlines and hotels.

As there are only limited booths left, Pak Sapta said the travel and tourism industry sector, whether in Indonesia or South East Asia, should immediately sign up so as not to miss out on the benefits of being a part of WITM ASIA-ITHF 2014.

The ITHF, being an established travel fair in Jakarta, is a must visit travel fair whereby the consumers would be able to get the best deals to travel within Indonesia and beyond. 

WITM ASIA-ITHF 2014, held in the world’s largest Muslim country, this projected will enhance the unrealised potential of the Islamic tourism sector. “With over 1.7 billion Muslim population worldwide and a growing affluent Muslim society, the Muslim tourism market is a gold mine waiting to be tapped,” he added.

There will be a conference with the theme “Emerging Trends in Islamic Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Sector” organised concurrently. The conference aims to provide an ideal opportunity to share, exchange and explore new ideas in the Muslim travel trend while the Consumer Travel Fair will allow the consumers to purchase travel and tour packages directly from travel agents at bargaining offers.


Dato Mohd Khalid

Also at the press conference, WITM Events Chairman Dato Mohd Khalid said, “By combining WITM with its emphasis on the expanding Islamic tourism market and ITHF, the organisers plan to provide a one-stop platform for all sectors of the travel and tourism industry not only in Indonesia but also globally to network and expand into new market segments as well as to strengthen the existing Muslim tourism markets.

“Visitors, be it trade buyers, corporate figures, consumers and government representatives will find value-for-money travel and tour packages.”

As for the travel and tourism industry players, WITM ASIA - ITHF 2014 is targeted to be an annual event in Indonesia and will provide the travel industry the opportunity to target consumers, trade buyers as well as learn from the international speakers and panellists, he added. 

 

Casa del Rio Melaka presents “Viva Cuba”

By Anthony Tan | VIRGIN Communications

Email: anthonykhtan@yahoo.co.uk

In 2007, the former Chief Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam offered a former senior government officer’s residence in Bukit Peringgit which was used during the British administration, to Cuba to established Casa Cuba.

 

The Cuban Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is put in-charge of Casa Cuba with an important role to play in introducing Cuban arts and culture housed in its gallery to Malaysians and tourists visiting Melaka. The gallery showcases various forms of art by Cuban artists, including paintings, lithographs and ceramic works.

Cuba has its unique culture with an amalgamation of African, Spanish and North American influences which one would find such elements in its food, music and art and the famed Cuban hand-rolled high quality cigars.

The management of Casa del Rio Melaka, a 5-Star boutique hotel decided to re-theme its bar to “Bar Rio” recently with Cuban atmosphere. To give a booster to the place, the management energised it with by a 2-piece Cuban band “Latin Girls” to kick-start the makeover.

To celebrate the opening of Bar Rio, the management organised a one night only “VIVA CUBA” with a spread of authentic Cuban food, music and dance with the collaboration of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba and Tourism Malaysia.

Among the VIPs who were present for official opening of Bar Rio were the Chief Minister of Melaka YAB Datuk Seri Ir Hj Idris bin Hj Haron, HE Manuel Guzman, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; HE Madam Lourdes Puma Puma, Ambassador of Ecuador and the Third Secretary; Political and Consular Affairs of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba Madam Yanila Reyes Paret.

Bar Rio will continue to serve Cuban inspired tapas and drinks like Cuban Virgin Mojito or Virgin Mango Daiquiri. Cuban dishes such as lime cured red snapper, chicken salad on fried plantains (bananas), mussels and calamari in garlicky olive oil daily.

Sarawak Convention Bureau performed very well in 2013

By Anthony Tan | VIRGIN Communications
email: anthonykhtan@yahoo.co.uk

The Board of Directors with its Chairman of Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) Dato’ Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad Abdullah was pleased with his team’s performance for 2013.

 

This was announced when the board had its meeting recently to discuss the excellent achievement of SCB managing the Sarawak’s Business Events Industry.

The SCB team feeling above the cloud

SCB was established in 2006 by the State Government of Sarawak and the first to be set up in Malaysia.

Key wins for 2013 that contributed towards Kuching’s successful ranking in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) include The International Hakka Conference and 55th Anniversary Celebration (October 2013 with 1320 delegates), The International Energy Week (September 2014 with 1200 delegates), and the International Clinical Conference for Assistant Medical Officers and Paramedics (April 2015 with an estimated 700 delegates).

 

In 2013, SCB supported 57 convention bids representing 21,277 delegates, and 71,798 delegate days, which contributed an estimated direct delegate expenditure of RM41.6 million to Sarawak.

 

Dr Muhammad Leo said, “The Business Events sector in Sarawak keeps getting better and better. Recently, we made the Top 30 with ICCA-Asia Pacific and Middle East Country and City ranking for international wins in 2013. This recognition is a huge compliment to the Business Events sector of Sarawak.”

 

At the meeting, Dr Muhammad Leo reinforced SCB’s core objectives to maintain ahead in the industry:

• To win more bids for Sarawak by placing greater emphasis on

  marketing and business partnerships, and on the use of

  sponsorship,

• To enhance education of business and government communities

  and Business Event suppliers of Sarawak so as to retain brand

  value and encourage referred and repeat business and

• To continue to brand Sarawak as a unique destination for Business

  Events.
 

SCB had been on the radar of the ICCA-Asia Pacific and Middle East Country and City ranking in 2010. Kuching has continued to improve its ranking from 38th in 2012 to its current spot at 28th and a worldwide ranking of 136th out of 371 cities - alongside Birmingham, Johannesburg, Las Vegas and Orlando among others.

“Having come out of a tough period in 2012, we were thrilled to place among ICCA’s Top 30 meeting cities in Asia Pacific and Middle East. This would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our industry partners and clients.

"The Business Events Industry in Sarawak just keeps getting better and better. Recently, we made the Top 30 with ICCA-Asia Pacific and Middle East Country and City ranking for international wins in 2013. This recognition is a huge compliment to the Business Events sector of Sarawak.

Dr Muhammad Leo  

"Sarawak industry players can also look forward to industry education opportunities and programs for the remainder of 2014, and in 2015 we will begin an aggressive campaign to capture the international business influenced in the West Malaysia, Singapore, Southeast Asia and Australasia markets,” he added

 

SCB Managing Director Mike Cannon commented: “There has been exciting development for 2014 with the appointment of an Australian based representative, which should result in greater opportunities for further wins and successful familiarisation projects.

 



Mike Cannon


 

“The remainder of 2014 will see the Bureau’s participation in the International Meetings Exchanges (IMEX) America in October 2014 with a familiarisation trip for US based buyers to Sarawak after the show.”