Marriott International, Industry Partners Launch Destination Convention Malaysia to Expand Business Events Proposition
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8, 2026 — Marriott International, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Sabah Convention Bureau have launched Destination Convention Malaysia, a collaborative platform aimed at showcasing Malaysia as a multi-destination business events proposition.
The platform allows regional and international event organisers to explore Malaysia’s convention venues, accommodation, hospitality infrastructure and destination experiences across Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Sabah, and other parts of the country.
The initiative was unveiled at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur during a gathering of business events and hospitality industry leaders, who discussed Malaysia’s competitive strengths and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
According to the press statement, MyCEB had secured 416 business events as of June 30, 2026, scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2030, with an estimated economic impact of RM3.98 billion.
The platform brings together Malaysia’s established convention infrastructure and international connectivity with cultural, natural, and incentive experiences available across the country.
Market Vice President, Malaysia, Marriott International, George Varughese said the initiative was intended to make it easier for event planners to understand the range of possibilities available across Malaysia.
“Malaysia has all the ingredients to be a leading business events destination in Asia-Pacific: strong connectivity, world-class hospitality and an extraordinary variety of destinations and experiences,” he said.
Varughese said the opportunity extended beyond attracting more events, as organisers could also create experiences for delegates beyond the convention itself.
During the launch, representatives from Marriott International, MyCEB, BESarawak and Sabah Convention Bureau also discussed opportunities to encourage event organisers to consider destinations and experiences beyond Kuala Lumpur.
The panel discussion highlighted factors increasingly influencing business event planning, including personalisation, wellness, sustainability, technology, and destination-led experiences.
MyCEB chief executive officer Tan Mei Phing said Malaysia’s business events pipeline reflected organisers’ confidence in the country’s capabilities.
“By bringing destinations together through Destination Convention Malaysia, 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.
Marriott International currently operates 65 hotels across Malaysia, providing accommodation and event facilities in key business and leisure destinations.
Its portfolio includes properties connected to or serving major convention venues such as Marriott Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre, Courtyard by Marriott Kuala Lumpur South, Desaru Coast Conference Centre and Langkawi International Convention Centre.
The hotels offer planners options to combine meeting and convention facilities with accommodation, food and beverage, wellness programmes, and local experiences.
According to Marriott, these facilities can support a range of events, from large-scale conventions and corporate meetings to incentive programmes, while destination excursions, locally inspired dining and sustainability initiatives can be incorporated into itineraries beyond the meeting room.
Through Destination Convention Malaysia, Marriott International and its destination partners will promote these capabilities as part of a wider national proposition, linking business events infrastructure with Malaysia’s culture, cuisine, nature, and other destination experiences.
About The Author
Ed Junaidi is a seasoned Online Editor at Gaya Travel Magazine, where he has been sharing his passion for travel for over 15 years. A dedicated globetrotter, Ed cherishes the chance to explore the world, uncovering new experiences and insights with every journey. His compelling contributions to Gaya Travel Magazine earned him a prestigious residency grant from the Mexican government in 2015 through Media Residency Program. Through his work, Ed continues to inspire readers with stories that capture the essence of travel and cultural discovery.
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