Enthusiasm runs high among ICCA members after Sarawak won the bid to host 2016 ICCA Congress, according to Martin Sirk, CEO of ICCA.
Delegates to 2015 ICCA Congress in Buenos Aires from November 1-4 were given a taste of Sarawak's exotic cultural appeal with a performance that called upon them to Awaken the Warrior Within. This win propels the second-tier city to the stage of world-class business events destinations.
Sirk added that Sarawak's charm has rubbed off on members after the rousing performance that Sarawak gave at 2015 ICCA. Many were eager to engage in the cultural and natural experiences that Sarawak has to offer, including the city's orangutan mascot.
More importantly, this win also recognises the fact that Sarawak is a modern and well-developed city that has honed its potential as a hub for business events and is ready to make its mark on the map as an international venue.
"There was of course a lot of planning and hard work involved, but we really went out there and gave it our best. In the end, it was an interactive presentation cum performance that truly showed what Sarawak has to offer," said Amelia Roziman, global marketing and communications director, Sarawak Convention Bureau.
She added that Sarawak has long been known for its cultural and natural appeal, but the time has come to see the city as a multifaceted and modern player that is ready to take conventions and events to another level.
Sarawak outbid Prague to host ICCA 2016.