Exploring Malaysia 
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Malaysia is fast emerging as one of the top destinations in the world for Meetings, Conventions, Incentives and Exhibitions (MICE). The country ranks 23rd in the world, based on the International Congress and Convention Association’s statistical preview of association meetings held in 2006, up 10 spots from the previous year. Malaysia is banking on its top-notch convention centres, quality accommodation, value-added services and many other attractions to propel itself into the top ten.
Latest Statistics
Statistics-wise, total conference arrivals in 2007 was 1,000,000 or 4.8% of tourist arrivals, compared to 820,000 in 2006. Malaysia is now set to capture a greater share of the international MICE market to represent at least 10% of arrivals to the country. The country is well-prepared to accommodate the anticipated growth in conference arrivals. The number of hotels has increased to approximately 2,400 in 2007 from 1,090 in 1993, with Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur alone having over 20,000 hotel rooms in the three to five-star categories.
Global Conferences
In May 2008, Malaysia played host to the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2008, the largest-ever gathering of global leaders and decision-makers in the ICT industry, with more than 2,500 participants from over 80 countries. This has provided a further boost to the local MICE industry, while putting Malaysia firmly on the global ICT map.
Among the high profile upcoming events are World Chambers Congress 2009, World Congress of Accountants 2010 and World Gas Conference 2012. This is clearly an indication of the world community’s confidence in Malaysia’s capability to host events of such prominence and magnitude.
Strong Government Support
The local government is fully supportive of the industry and has introduced conducive policies to encourage more regional and global conferences to be held here. The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) or more popularly known as Tourism Malaysia, is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia. Its principle role is to promote Malaysia as an outstanding tourist and MICE destination.
The MICE industry has and will continue to be given priority, as it contributes substantially to the tourism sector and has an expansive multiplier effect on other sectors of the economy. To further expand this industry, Tourism Malaysia is focused on assisting organisers of conferences and exhibitions to plan and hold their activities in Malaysia. Appropriate incentives and other forms of support including bidding, attendance promotions and servicing of actual events are also offered.
The year 2008 sees the continuation of the Meet & Experience Malaysia Truly Asia Campaign, which combines the resources of Tourism Malaysia, the government and MICE industry partners, and offers the latest products and incentives to potential event organisers at special prices.
