Sarawak concludes 2021 with RM365 million in total economic impact

These figures are a statement of achievement for Sarawak (pictured) as the destination continues to recover from the pandemic

Business Events Sarawak has released its latest performance report spanning 2020 to 2021, revealing that the destination has secured at least 43,471 delegates over a total of 160,142 delegate days worth RM193.7 million (US$46.3 million) in direct delegate expenditure.

This is across a total of 109 future business events that will bring about an estimated RM365 million in total economic impact, RM 21.4 million in tax revenue and approximately 28,289 new job opportunities.

These figures are a statement of achievement for Sarawak (pictured) as the destination continues to recover from the pandemic

In terms of physical-to-virtual conversions, 34 events worth RM105.5 million in total economic impact have been converted, forfeiting the arrival of over 12,000 delegates, RM57.3 million in direct delegate expenditure, and 8,370 new job openings.

“Business events are playing an increasingly important role in developing Sarawak as an economically prosperous, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable destination by 2030,” affirmed Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak’s newly-appointed minister of tourism, creative industry & performing arts and minister of youth, sports & entrepreneur development.

“The sector’s involvement in achieving the Sarawak Government’s Post Covid-19 Development Goals is centred around delivering and optimising knowledge, innovation, and partnerships from business events.”

Various initiatives have been implemented to support recovery efforts and keep the destination active in the national and international scene; such as the provision of education for the local industry, a proactive approach to collaborating with stakeholders of varying levels, and Sarawak’s incentivised packages for local, national, and international business events planners.

Back in March 2021, BESarawak launched incentivised packages to support the sector’s recovery efforts and provide valuable financial and in-kind support to planners.

“The incentives and comprehensive support offered are integral to the sector’s rehabilitation,” asserted BESarawak’s CEO, Amelia Roziman. “Most importantly, these offers are appealing to planners and catering to today’s event needs. Beyond incentives, our team continues to provide pre and post-event support to ensure the best possible client experience that reflects Sarawak’s hospitality.”

Sarawak recently entered phase four of Malaysia’s National Recovery Plan, forecasting a positive restart for business events and a better outlook for the sector as a whole.

For 2022, BESarawak will continue to place destination development high on its priority through promoting legacy impact and mobilising Sarawak’s Covid-19 business events mitigation and recovery plans.

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