KUCHING: Sarawak's business events industry has recorded another outstanding performance year, closing at 95 secured national and international events for this year, with an estimated total economic impact of RM346.5 million, which is 139 per cent above the target set by Business Events Sarawak (BE Sarawak).
In a statement today (December 13), it said that from next year until 2028, Sarawak is set to welcome over 42,000 delegates with an estimated direct delegate expenditure of RM188.3 million and fetching a tax revenue of RM20.8 million.
"As for hosted events, Sarawak hosted a total of 107 business events, a seven per cent increase compared to last year," it said.
BE Sarawak said the total economic impact of these events stood at RM372 million, with over 45,000 delegates contributing RM202.2 million to the economy, generating RM22.3 million in tax revenue for Sarawak.
"These figures are a 62 per cent increase compared to the previous year," it said.
The statement was issued in conjunction with the BE Sarawak Board of Directors' appreciation dinner, which was attended by Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
At the dinner, Abdul Karim acknowledged these achievements and praised BE Sarawak and the industry involved for going above and beyond this year.
"This increase in delegate arrivals and economic impact is a sure sign that Sarawak is back to its pre-pandemic vibrancy, demonstrating that we are targeting the right business events based on the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030," he said.
Abdul Karim added that the industry should continue to be active in striving for excellence as the Sarawak government had planned to expand the business events infrastructure to secure more events. — Bernama