Northstar

Destination Malaysia 38 MAY-JUN 2019 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MCMAG-ASIA.COM As Malaysia's most developed state, Selangor has a lot going for it in terms of economic development and business opportunities. On the economic front, it enjoyed a steady 7.1% GDP growth in 2017. It is the country's primary port of entry, and is home to Kuala Lumpur Business Centre and Putrajaya Administrative Capital. Selangor is also served by two major airports — Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Subang Skypark — making it an ideal place for business travellers to drop in and attend MICE events and activities. And the numbers show. In 2018, Selangor received a total of 7.2 million tourists with tourism receipts totalling MYR 5.5 billion (US$1.3 billion). Looking ahead, Tourism Selangor has identied several market segments to target, namely eco tourism, culture and heritage and niche sectors like medical, MICE, cruise and golf tourism. Alam. Said Francis Teo, head of Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC), "Aside from [catering] to business event needs, we are looking into promoting Setia Alam in Selangor as an alternate destination venue for our clients and guests. SCCC is close to nature attractions such as the National Botanical Garden Shah Alam, which features activities like outdoor cycling, shing and sky-track. We are also located near Klang, which is a seafood heaven for foodies." With so many options in close proximity to Selangor's economic centre, the state is becoming more attractive to meeting planners looking to increase attendee satisfaction. Taking the alternative route Take culture and heritage, for example. There is the Visit Sepang 2020 Campaign, which is part of the National Tourism Policy 2020–2050. In this case, Sepang has been earmarked as a Special Tourism Investment Zone and will be equipped with world-class tourism events. The ultimate goal here is to attract up to 10 million visitors to the district. On top of that, Tourism Selangor created a cultural map of Selangor in an eort to promote local indigenous cultures and traditions, such as the Mah Meri tribe of Carey Island, the Temuan culture, as well as the Kompang Jawa. Finally, there is the Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk, which aims to highlight Klang's colonial heritage, places of worship and royal gallery. Even convention centres are joining the eort to promote Selangor's alternative destinations such as Setia Local authorities are taking a look into alternative destinations within Malaysia's top business capital to boost its corporate and incentive offerings. WORDS WILL CHIN Selangor Takes Centre Stage "Aside from [catering] to business event needs, [SCCC is] looking into promoting Setia Alam in Selangor as an alternate destination venue for our clients and guests." FRANCIS TEO, HEAD OF SETIA CITY CONVENTION CENTRE SCCC CENTRE SCCC Setia City Convention Centre.

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