PHU QUOC, Vietnam, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As organisations place greater value on meaningful connections, event planners are increasingly seeking destinations that combine convenience, flexibility and memorable experiences. In northern Phu Quoc, Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay offers a coastal setting where business gatherings are supported by thoughtful design, seamless logistics and the natural beauty of the island.
Set along the pristine shores of Bai Dai Beach, the resort balances contemporary meeting facilities with the natural rhythm of island life. With accommodation, event spaces and dining all within easy reach, allowing organisers to focus on people and outcomes rather than logistics.
The resort offers 308 rooms, suites and villas, alongside a collection of versatile spaces suited to executive retreats, incentive programmes, regional conferences and company celebrations. The Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 400 guests, while outdoor beachfront venues provide distinctive settings for receptions, networking events and team activities framed by coastal views.
"Today's planners are looking for more than a venue. They want destinations that help people connect, exchange ideas and create shared experiences that have a lasting impact," said Damian De Costa, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay. "Our team is focused on making every gathering feel seamless and purposeful, while showcasing the energy, warmth and natural beauty that make Phu Quoc such a rewarding destination."
Dining experiences are tailored to complement each programme, helping create connections beyond the meeting room. Menus can be customised to suit diverse tastes and cultural preferences, including authentic Indian cuisine prepared by a dedicated Indian chef, alongside Asian, Western and vegetarian options.
Beyond the agenda, northern Phu Quoc offers opportunities to strengthen relationships through shared experiences. Championship golf, entertainment attractions and nature-based activities provide rewarding ways to balance business objectives with relaxation and exploration.
Growing international accessibility continues to strengthen Phu Quoc's appeal for regional and international gatherings. Visa-free stays of up to 30 days for eligible travellers, expanding direct flight connections and ongoing infrastructure investment ahead of APEC 2027 are further enhancing the island's position as an attractive destination for MICE business.
For planners seeking a destination that combines productivity with genuine connection, Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay offers a thoughtfully designed environment where business conversations, new ideas and stronger relationships can flourish.
For more information, visit: https://phuquoc.crowneplaza.com/meeting-events/
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay Brings Business Events and Island Experiences Together in Northern Phu Quoc
CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) deepened its engagement in Bangladesh through Malaysia Healthcare Week in Bangladesh, held from 16 to 21 September, bringing Malaysian hospitals and healthcare stakeholders together across Dhaka and Chattogram as demand for healthcare travel from Bangladesh continues to grow. The programme marked MHTC's expansion beyond Dhaka to Chattogram, where it conducted its first Malaysia Healthcare activation in the city.
Malaysia Healthcare's engagement with the Bangladesh market has gained strong momentum in recent years. In 2025, close to 70,000 Bangladeshi healthcare travellers visited Malaysia, generating approximately RM50 million in healthcare travel revenue, a 24% increase from the previous year. The continued growth reinforces the importance of strengthening the professional networks, referral pathways and corporate relationships that connect Bangladeshi patients with healthcare providers in Malaysia.
The programme was structured across two cities, with Dhaka serving as the main platform for corporate and consumer engagement, while Chattogram extended Malaysia Healthcare's reach to healthcare professionals, media and corporate stakeholders in a new market area. The Dhaka programme began with a corporate networking dinner on 16 September, held in conjunction with Malaysia Day and in collaboration with the High Commission of Malaysia in Bangladesh, connecting participating Malaysian hospitals with corporate stakeholders, healthcare referral agencies and industry representatives. From 17 to 19 September, the hospitals continued their engagement with the public and industry stakeholders at the 13th Asian Tourism Fair at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka, showcasing their medical specialities and services.
The programme then moved to Chattogram on 20 September, marking Malaysia Healthcare's first activation in the city. The two-day engagement opened with a media session and networking dinner, followed on 21 September by a luncheon with doctors and healthcare professionals, and a corporate networking dinner with the PHP Family. MHTC CEO Dato' Suriaghandi Suppiah said: "The growth of healthcare travel from Bangladesh shows that patients are increasingly looking beyond their home country when they require specialised treatment. Our role is to build the connections that make that journey more informed and coordinated, from the referring doctor and healthcare professional to the hospital and corporate network. By engaging both Dhaka and Chattogram, we strengthened our understanding of the market while making Malaysia Healthcare more accessible to patients who are considering treatment in Malaysia."
Five Malaysian hospitals took part. Alpha IVF, IHH Healthcare, KL Fertility and Sunway Medical Centre joined the programme in both cities, while KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist took part in Dhaka.
Malaysia Healthcare Week in Bangladesh was part of Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT 2026), themed Healing Meets Hospitality, which brings together Malaysia's healthcare expertise and patient experience to reinforce its positioning as a preferred healthcare destination. The Bangladesh programme reflected this approach by combining clinical engagement with the professional relationships and support networks that shape the healthcare traveller's journey.
For media enquiries and further information, please contact:
Muhammad Rasydan Ma'at
Head of Unit, Communications
+603 8776 6168
rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my
Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi
Head, Communications
+603 8776 6168
shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my
About Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), established in 2009 under the purview of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, is entrusted with developing and nurturing the "Malaysia Healthcare" brand. MHTC enhances, coordinates and promotes Malaysia's healthcare travel industry by fostering industry collaborations and building valuable public-private partnerships both domestically and internationally. With 91 member hospitals nationwide, MHTC continues to elevate the healthcare travel ecosystem through strong branding, seamless patient experiences and strategic market initiatives. In line with these efforts, MHTC is spearheading the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, the nation's first dedicated year to celebrate and advance healthcare travel. MYMT 2026 serves as a milestone initiative to showcase Malaysia's world-class healthcare offerings, strengthen its position as the premier global healthcare destination, and highlight the industry's significant contribution to the national economy.
MHTC's website: https://www.malaysiahealthcare.org.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE DEEPENS BANGLADESH PRESENCE AS MEDICAL TOURISM DEMAND GROWS
