International Tourist Attractions Carnival 2017

The inaugural International Tourist Attractions Carnival 2017 (ITAC) will be held here from Nov 4 to 5 at the Straits Quay Convention Centre where some 20,000 visitors are expected to gather.

Forty-five exhibitors made up of tourism destinations, museum attractions, theme parks, eco tourism destinations and several parties from Singapore and Thailand have confirmed their participation.

The carnival is organised by Trip4Asia Sdn Bhd with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC).

“There will be no fee for the booths, exhibitors and participants which will be made up of at least 80% of local participation representing a total of 63 booths.

“We will also be giving away around 15,000 complimentary tickets for tourist locations all over the country,” said Henry Hoe, the general manager of Trip4Asia.

Hoe said there will be no emphasis in selling but the focus is to promote and showcase these locations.

“Local and foreign travellers are more keen on the “free and easy” travel itinerary as such knowledge of these places is vital for their holiday planning,” added Hoe.

Also present was Trip4Asia’s chief executive officer Gabriel Ng along with MOTAC Penang director Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang and Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director Sani Sham.

“The carnival is expected to bring together well-known tourist destinations to collaborate and cooperate between the private and the public sector.

“We hope to set a benchmark for other sectors to follow,” said Jonathan in his opening address.

“Hello Kitty” and “Smurfs” mascots will also make their appearances along with Cosplay costume contest offering attractive cash prizes for winners.

Among the local participants includes Entopia By Penang Butterfly Farm, The Top, The Habitat, Tropical Spice Garden, Tech Dome Penang, Hop On Hop Off, Bukit Merah Lake Town, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town & Thomas Town from Johor, Movie Animation Park Studio (MAPS Ipoh), Lost World of Tambun and Sunway Lagoon to name a few.

The Singapore Tourism Board, Princess Cruises (Singapore), Universal Studios (Singapore), S.E.A Aquarium (Singapore), OngBak Live Show DC from Bangkok, Asian Cultural Village, Danok in Thailand, Himmapan Avatar Show DC, Bangkok, are among the foreign exhibitors at the carnival.