The first edition of WTM Connect Asia opened today (May 18) in George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Buyers and suppliers were welcomed to Penang from more than 30 countries including China, Malaysia, Mexico, the US, UK, Philippines, Germany, Indonesia and Thailand.

The day began with Hosted Buyers and exhibitors attending FAM Trips organised by Penang Global Tourism. The trips included visiting Penang’s hills and temples, wandering through the beautiful gardens, discovering local gastronomy and walking through the narrow lanes of George Town in search of heritage gems.

After getting a taste of Penang the event was officiated at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. Nick Pilbeam, divisional director for Reed Travel Exhibitions and Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, director general of Tourism Malaysia, welcomed all Hosted Buyers, exhibitors, distinguished guests and media.

In attendance were a number of high profile individuals from Malaysia Tourism, MyCEB and Penang Global Tourism, firmly cementing their support for WTM Connect Asia 2016. They included Tony Nagamaiah, general manager of Malaysia Major Events from Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Chok Yan, CEO from Penang Global Tourism and Chong Yoke Har, deputy director general Tourism Malaysia.

The welcome speeches were followed by two key note speakers – Fredrik Härén and Jamling Tenzing Norgay - who delivered strong messages and left the audience inspired and motivated. Haren’s session covered business creativity and change focusing on South East Asia. Norgay shared his journey to the top of the world, parallel to his father’s climb (Tenzing Norgay) with Edmund Hillary as the first people to reach the top of Mount Everest. Throughout the day buyers and suppliers were given the opportunity to network during coffee breaks.

In the evening all attendees were transported to the Welcome Gala Dinner at Khoo Kongsi. The venue is one of the grandest clan houses in Malaysia exploding with beauty and history. Guests were treated to the best of Malay entertainment, food and arts and crafts.

Craig Moyes, portfolio director, World Travel Market, said: “Today was a very exciting day for Reed Travel Exhibitions and the WTM Portfolio. We welcomed exhibitors and Hosted Buyers from China, South East Asia and the rest of the world for what proved to be a very successful first day of WTM Connect Asia. We had fantastic speakers who truly inspired our delegates, and we finished off with a great networking function in the evening. I’m looking forward to the remaining two days of WTM Connect Asia where the serious business conversations take place.” - TradeArabia News Service