Overwater bungalows in Langkawi 

INBOUND agents are unfazed by the new tourism promotion fee which will be imposed on all tourists checking into hotels in Langkawi.

From July 1, domestic and international tourists will be charged an additional RM3 (US$0.73) per room per night in three- or four-star hotels and RM5 in a five-star property.

Arokia Das, senior manager at Luxury Tours Malaysia, said: “It will not affect MICE into Langkawi as we (agents) will either absorb the cost or include it into the quotation.”

Saini Vermeulen, executive director, Within Earth Holidays, likewise stated that the tax was an insignificant amount and “common practice” in destinations worldwide.

Agreeing, Adam Kamal, CEO of Olympik Holidays, said: “The amount is insignificant. Moreover, groups don’t stay long as Langkawi is usually a two- or three-night incentive destination.

“If the funds are properly channelled, it will make it easier to promote the destination.”

According to Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid, Kedah state tourism committee chairman, “the collections would reduce Langkawi Municipal Council’s dependency on state funding to carry out projects such as beautification of the island and enhancements of public facilities and services”.

With around three million tourists to Langkawi annually, the new levy could translate to over RM5 million in tourism revenue (this year), he added.

CORRADO Peraboni, CEO of Fiera Milano, has been elected UFI president for 2018 by the Board of Directors at a board meeting during the recent UFI Open Seminar in Basel, Switzerland.

The UFI Presidential Trio for the 2016-2017 term now comprise Andreas Gruchow (Deutsche Messe), president 2016-2017; Peraboni, incoming president; Sergey Alexeev (ExpoForum-International), outgoing president.

They will assume these roles at the conclusion of the 83rd UFI Annual Congress, which runs from November 9 to 12, 2016 in Shanghai.

According to a media statement from UFI, Peraboni has played a very active role within UFI for many years. He assumed the position of vice-chair of the European Chapter more than fifteen years ago before becoming chair from 2004 to 2008, and has been a member of the UFI Executive Committee since 2004.

His extensive knowledge of the industry and dedication to UFI over the years has proved instrumental in enabling the association to become the global voice of the exhibition industry that it is today.

“I am honoured by this appointment,” said Peraboni.
“UFI is a true global brand of quality in the trade fair sector and I will do everything I can to strengthen it even further. The exhibition sector is seeing continual, rapid change. The current transition stage deserves great attention because our future depends on it, and I think this future holds at least one constant: physical fairs will continue to be an irreplaceable channel for promotion and internationalisation, especially for SMEs, because they guarantee maximum advantages in terms of cost-benefit.

“Together with my colleagues and the UFI team, we will do our best to launch this message to the business community and public institutions”.