A Malaysian Experience at the MCG
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If only the evening had finished as well as it started for Carlton supporters at the MCG last Saturday night. Thanks to Tourism Malaysia a number of lucky Carlton supporters will soon experience the highlights of a visit to Malaysia as part of the pre-game promotional activities.

Carlton’s joint major sponsor, Tourism Malaysia, was the official match day sponsor for the Carlton v Essendon match which attracted a crowd of over 70,000 on Easter Saturday night.

Promotional staff were outside Gate 3 at the MCG handing out special Carlton/Tourism Malaysia ‘Clap Banners’ to supporters as they entered the ground for the big game. Then prior to the match a number of lucky supporters waving their ‘Clap Banners’ were selected at random, each invited to compete in a kicking competition on the ground, with the winner receiving two return air tickets to Malaysia. It was a great sight to see so many Carlton/Tourism Malaysia signs being waved around prior to the match.

The good fortune for Carlton supporters was extended to the official Carlton President’s Dinner with one lucky guest in the dinner winning a sensational trip for two to Malaysia. This was a lucky business card draw prize and included return air travel to Penang and accommodation at Shangri-La’s magnificent Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa in Penang. This is where a number of Carlton players and coaches were fortunate to enjoy a few days in January this year. The destination and accommodation certainly comes highly recommended by the players.

The President’s Dinner had a true Malaysian flavour with guest greeted on arrival by Malay dancers and special guests from Tourism Malaysia and the High Commissioner for Malaysia in attendance for the game. The menu had a Malaysian flavour and guests received special gifts as well as material on some of the highlights of Malaysia that to make it an increasingly popular tourist destination. To add to the occasion a video featuring some of the events from the Carlton players trip to Malaysia was also played during the dinner.

It may have been a disappointing result for Carlton on the ground, but off the field it was an exciting evening for the Blues and a successful event for Tourism Malaysia.