THE annual Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE) 2023 returned for the sixth edition this year at the SETIA Spice Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas today.
Gathering over 80 international buyers from 17 countries, the remarkable travel trade event promises to elevate Penang’s status as the premier Business Events and Travel Destination in the Asia Pacific region.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai extended his heartiest welcome to all the participating countries for the event, which starts today (Nov 7 ) and ends on Nov 9.
“PITE 2023 is not merely a convention; it is a celebration of the vibrant of travel, culture, and creativity. It is a forum where industry leaders, visionaries, and enthusiasts from the world gather to exchange ideas, and forge collaborations.
“We hope those present here can experience the charm of Penang, aside from exploring the travel industry’s latest trends and innovations.
“Alongside them, 42 top exhibitors from Malaysia will showcase their latest offerings, fostering fruitful collaborations, and showcasing the best the region has to offer,” he said in his speech during the event.
PITE is an event organised by the Ace Conferences and supported by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
Launched in 2018, PITE has consistently strived to enhance Penang’s position on the global stage. It serves as a homegrown platform for travel trade professionals to explore Penang as a thriving Business Events and Travel Destination.
Wong added that attendees would have the opportunity to embark on familiarisation trips to Penang’s attractions.
PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said the three-day event offers those international buyers a chance to explore Penang.
Among those present were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng, Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) general manager Datin S. Bharathi, Tourism Malaysia northern region deputy director Siti Hajar Mohd Yunus, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang Chapter chairman Datuk Tony Goh, and MATTA Penang Chapter chairman Carolyn Leong.
For more information about the Penang International Travel Exchange, please visit the event’s official website.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian