Penang – November 5, 2024: The World Research Travel Organisation (WRTO) Malaysia Chapter warmly welcomed international delegates to the World Research Travel Conference (WRTC) 2024, held at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Penang. This global event has drawn attendees from 13 countries, including Australia, China, Germany, and the United States, emphasizing Penang’s status as a hub for cross-cultural exchange and academic travel.
This morning, Wong Hon Wai, Penang’s State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, officiated the opening ceremony, expressing enthusiasm for the event’s contribution to educational tourism and cultural exchange. “It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the beautiful city of Penang for the grand opening of the 4th World Research Travel Conference 2024,” he said. “I am delighted that the World Research Travel Conference has chosen Penang, a city with a rich history and diverse culture, as its first international venue to venture beyond China. This provides an excellent platform for strengthening cooperation in tourism, education, culture, and youth exchanges.”
The opening ceremony celebrated Penang’s diverse cultural heritage with a dynamic program of performances. Delegates enjoyed a traditional drum and multicultural dance showcase by a local school, along with a martial arts demonstration by China’s Shaolin Baduanjin team, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Highlighting WRTC 2024’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism, delegates participated in pre-tours exploring Penang’s heritage and green tourism sites, including Chowrasta Market, Malaysia’s oldest market, UNESCO World Heritage locations in Georgetown, and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at Penang Hill. These excursions underscored Penang’s unique blend of historical, cultural, and ecological attractions.
In the evening, a welcome reception at Fort Cornwallis treats attendees to Malaysia’s rich culinary offerings. The evening promises a memorable immersion into Malaysia’s gourmet culture, furthering the conference’s goals of heritage conservation and tourism development.
With support from the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), WRTC 2024 provides a platform for industry professionals to explore trends in research travel and assess the sector’s evolving role in tourism.
A key highlight includes a virtual presentation by WRTO’s Germany-based Chairman, Franz Wolfgang Eder, focusing on the organization’s collaborations with UNESCO Global Geoparks. Another keynote will be delivered by WRTO Executive Chairman, Prof Dr. Yang ZhenZhi from China, on “Healthy Healing Opens Up A New Era of Research Travel: From Ability Growth to Health Growth.”
This afternoon, a business matching session between exhibitors and buyers was set to foster partnerships in the research travel industry. The session, which takes place from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm, features prominent exhibitors such as Resorts World Sentosa, Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm, and DurianBB, with case studies that offer insights into sustainable tourism practices.
Through presentations, business networking, and cultural experiences, WRTC 2024 underscores the importance of research travel in driving knowledge exchange, cultural appreciation, and the global advancement of tourism.
