Malaysia targets Indian market

MUMBAI Tourism Malaysia is targeting a 20 per cent increase in conferences, exhibitions and incentive (CEI) arrivals from India to Malaysia in 2005 over the previous 12 months.

In 2004, Malaysia saw 18,081 arrivals from India in the CEI segment. According to Madhu Saliankar, marketing manager, India, Tourism Malaysia, CEI arrivals from India to Malaysia were 3,326 during the first two months of 2005. "Tourism Malaysia recently conducted a CEI roadshow across three cities in India to spread the awareness of Malaysia as a CEI destination to the Indian travel trade and corporates. The roadshow was held in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. More than 20 suppliers (hoteliers and convention centres) and tour operator, which organise and handle CEI in Malaysia, were present," said Saliankar. The board is also partnering with travel agents to promote trade fairs in Malaysia. Saliankar said: "We have observed that more corporates have opted for five-star properties for their incentive programmes and are considering destinations like Penang or Langkawi for their programmes." Some of the corporates which have chosen Malaysia in the second half of 2005 include Raymond (1,000 delegates), Hitachi (300), Microsoft (two groups) and Lupin Labs (500).