AirAsia’s new Guangzhou link fuels Malaysian interest in the Chinese MICE market

SOME Malaysian MICE players are intensifying courtship of MICE operators in Guangzhou, encouraged by AirAsia’s new four weekly direct service between Langkawi and Guangzhou since January 24.

John Chan, business development director, Kris International Traveltours, said: “This new route had elevated the status of Langkawi as a premier destination for MICE alongside Penang and Kota Kinabalu.

“Chinese travellers have also become more culturally and environmentally conscious. Langkawi’s status as a UNESCO Geopark, coupled with its beautiful beaches and rainforests will appeal to them.”

Chan believes that the new low-cost air link comes at an opportune time, when the yuan is weak. Smaller Chinese companies will be able to find savings by flying with budget carriers.

He added: “We have (also) increased our promotional efforts in neighbouring cities in Southern China to take advantage of the new flights to get more MICE business to Langkawi.”

Another inbound MICE operator, Mint Leong, managing director of Sunflower Holidays, told TTGmice e-Weekly that she will introduce new incentive itineraries in Langkawi at the upcoming Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings China in Shanghai in April.

“With these direct flights, meeting planners and incentive houses can make Langkawi a mono destination, without having to twin it with Kuala Lumpur,” Leong opined.

“MICE hardware in Langkawi has expanded with the opening of Langkawi International Convention Centre last year while the upcoming The St. Regis Langkawi in April will provide more high-end inventory. There are also a number of new attractions that will appeal to the Chinese for post-show tours,” she added.

Christian Metzner, general manager at The Andaman Langkawi, said the resort will beef up its offerings of teambuilding activities this year.

Iskandar Zulkarnain, director of sales at the resort, revealed that the resort was eyeing the meetings and incentives market from China, especially during the resort’s low periods.

China is the largest foreign tourist market for Langkawi. Due to the direct flights, Langkawi Development Authority is planning to organise B2B promotions in Guangzhou and neighbouring cities in the 2Q2016 to attract more leisure and MICE business.

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