Destination Convention Malaysia Launched To Boost Business Events Sector

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Destination Convention Malaysia, a new collaborative platform aimed at promoting Malaysia as a multi-destination hub for business events, was launched by Marriott International at a hotel here yesterday.

The platform was launched in collaboration with the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Sabah Convention Bureau, bringing together the country’s convention facilities, hospitality offerings and destination experiences for regional and international event organisers.

As of June 30, MyCEB had secured 416 events scheduled from 2026 to 2030, with an estimated economic impact of RM3.98 billion.

The platform combines established convention infrastructure and international connectivity of destinations such as Kuala Lumpur with cultural, natural and incentive experiences in Sarawak, Sabah and other parts of the country, giving organisers a wider range of options when planning business events.

Marriott International Market Vice President for Malaysia George Varughese said Malaysia has the key ingredients to become a leading business events destination in the Asia-Pacific region.

“With strong connectivity, world-class hospitality, and a diverse range of destinations and experiences, Malaysia has all the ingredients to be a leading business events destination in Asia-Pacific,” he said.

Varughese said Destination Convention Malaysia brought these strengths together to attract more events and create memorable experiences for organisers and delegates.

Meanwhile, MyCEB Chief Executive Officer Tan Mei Phing said the strong business events pipeline reflected organisers’ confidence in Malaysia’s capabilities and presented an opportunity to showcase the diversity of destinations across the country.

“By bringing destinations together, we can showcase the collective strength of Malaysia’s business events ecosystem and present an even more compelling proposition to regional and international organisers,” she said.

The discussion also highlighted changing expectations among business event organisers, including greater emphasis on personalisation, wellness, sustainability, technology and destination-led experiences.

Through the platform, organisers can combine meetings and convention facilities with accommodation, food and beverage, wellness offerings and local experiences, including cultural, culinary and nature-based activities.

Marriott International currently operates 65 hotels across Malaysia, with its portfolio supporting major convention venues and offering accommodation, food and beverage, wellness facilities and local experiences.

-- BERNAMA