For the first time, the highly acclaimed FC Barcelona will make its way to the shores of Malaysia as part of the FC Barcelona Asian Tour 2013.

Organised by B.S.C.S.R.L. DTO. Futbol (M) Sdn Bhd (BSC) and supported by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), the team will battle the Malaysian Tigers on 10 August 2013 at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur. The event is expected to host 80,000 spectators and draw over 8,000 fans from across the region to Kuala Lumpur. The expected national economic impact generated through the event is more than RM 115 million.

Mr. Tony Nagamaiah , General Manager of International Events Unit (IEU), Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) said, “We are excited that Malaysia was chosen for FC Barcelona’s debut tour to Southeast Asia. This is indeed a historic moment for the throngs of fans within the region especially fans from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Australia, India, Myanmar and Vietnam who are expected to make their way to Kuala Lumpur this August. We are certainly delighted to bring these heroes to town given that Asia represents over 40% of the fan base of this legendary football club. With approximately 145million fans in the region, the anticipation leading up to the event will be nothing short of exhilarating.”

He added, “Malaysia is increasingly recognised as a destination of choice for such major events with the availability of world-class airports, venues, facilities and not to mention the warm, hospitable spirit of Malaysians. With years of hosting major events, Malaysia has certainly caught the world’s attention.”
“We are constantly looking for avenues to drive tourism into the country to support the Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia’s promotional campaign of Visit Malaysia Year 2014. Last year, Malaysia managed to attract RM916million in tourism spend from tourists visiting Malaysia for major events and with our support of FC Barcelona Asian Tour 2013, we hope to attract even more this year,” concluded Mr. Nagamaiah.

MyCEB’s International Events Unit (IEU) is a young, vibrant division of Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism that aims to successfully attract, stage and sustain exciting major events in Malaysia.