http://www.mixmeetings.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 MIX 19
CONNECTIONS
While many international
flights are routed through
Kuala Lumpur, Penang
Airport has direct links
with mainland China,
Hong Kong, Indonesia,
Singapore, Thailand, Japan,
the Philippines, Qatar and
Taiwan. A project to expand
the passenger terminal is due
to be completed in time for
Visit Malaysia 2020.USPs
Firstly, Penang is an island,
giving it a distinct identity.
Secondly, being given the
Unesco seal of approval
in 2008 when the capital,
George Town, was granted
world heritage status for
its “unique architectural
and cultural townscape”
was an undoubted feather
in Penang’s cap. Thirdly,
it’s easily accessible from
neighbouring Thailand
and Singapore and, being
reasonably compact, serves
up a neat mix of broad
beach, abundant nature and
historic city together with
well-developed MICE facilities.
Perhaps most intriguingly of
all, Penang’s a little bit quirky:
for example, hosting its own
literary festival since 2012.
In 2017, the island
welcomed 2,511 events,
including eight from the United
Kingdom. With more than
12,000 rooms Penang’s hotels
can cater for large and small
events and it is ICCA’s top-
ranked second-tier destination
in Malaysia. It continues to lure
heavy hitting MICE – it won
the bid for the 2019 World
Seafood Congress – and will
become even more attractive
in 2021 with the opening of
the Waterfront Convention
Centre, which will feature
a grand ballroom and an
extensive exhibition hall.VENUES
Setia SPICE Convention
Centre – SPICE is the
first hybrid solar-powered
convention centre in the
world. It has a maximum
capacity of 8,000 delegates
for theatre-seating in its
ballroom and is supported by
13 function rooms.
Straits Quay Convention
Centre – As the island’s
secondary meetings venue,
Straits Quay benefits from
being part of a waterfront
retail marina. It’s especially
popular with travel trade
customers, such as the
Malaysian Association of Tour
and Travel Agents.
PECC Exhibition &
Convention Centre and
Seberang Perai Arena –
Both on the mainland, about
30 minutes drive across the
bridge from George Town.
Khoo Kongsi – An
elaborately designed ornate
clan house that’s a testament
to Penang’s strong Chinese
heritage, Khoo Kongsi’s broad
granite square is ideal for gala
events. Traditional dances
and a Malaysian banquet can
also be staged here.
Fort Cornwallis – Dating
from the 18th century, the
fort is another outstanding
venue for cocktail parties
or dinners, which can
be rounded off with a
spectacular fireworks display.EXCURSIONS
Trishaw Tours – Spin
around George Town in a
trishaw. The drivers can
wax voluble on the sights –
especially the more compelling
Ernest Zacharevic murals. A
traditional transport that makes
for a great group outing.
The Habitat – Set in a
130-year-old rainforest on
Penang Hill, The Habitat is a
glorious nature trail leading
through themed gardens. The
hill’s funicular railway adds
to the pleasure of the trip.
Fans of Indian Summers will
recognise parts of Penang
Hill, as the TV series was
filmed here.
Night Market – From dusk
until well after midnight,
Battu Ferringhi turns into
a mini carnival. Eating
local delicacies, picking up
souvenirs and revelling in
the ambience make for an
exhilarating evening out.
Monkey Beach – Charter a
boat out to what is generally
acknowledged as the best
beach on Penang. There are
no local restaurants so it’s a
good chance to organise a
really sumptuous picnic.MalaySIa
EVENT
CREDENTIalS
n George Town
Literary Festival –
since 2012
n World Travel Market
Connect Asia –
May 2017
n V Malaysia –
April 2018
n Future of Education –
July 2018PEnAnG