Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s Economic Impact to City Hits Estimated RM 1.7 billion

The economic contribution to the Kuala Lumpur city generated by events held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre since its opening in June 2005 through to October 2008 has now hit an estimated RM 1.7 billion (US$ 0.5 billion).

To date, the three-year old Centre has been the venue of choice for over 1,700 events which in turn, have welcomed 6.1 million delegates who contributed 6.5 million delegate days.

“Events of this calibre attract what the meetings industry call ‘super tourists’ as delegates of conventions and meetings are generally known to boast the longest average stay and the highest average spending power by almost five times compared with typical leisure travellers,” said the Centre’s General Manager, Peter Brokenshire. “The estimated RM 1.7 billion spillover has generated significant benefits for the city, especially suppliers to the industry, retailers, restaurants, hotels and domestic tourist destinations.”

Brokenshire attributed the Centre’s success in winning international and regional business tourism events to the close working relationship enjoyed by the Centre and its Team Malaysia partners; Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

“In addition, the successful execution of several high profile events such as the XVIII FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2006 with 8,294 delegates, 11th ASEAN Summit 2005 with 5,225 delegates, the 16th World Congress on Information Technology 2008 with 3,225 delegates and 13th International Congress of Infectious Diseases 2008 with 3,200 delegates have added credibility to the Centre, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia’s ability to successfully host and organise world-class global events,” Brokenshire said.

For the coming year (2009), the Centre has thus far secured the following international and regional conventions, including the 14th Conference on Thinking (2,000 delegates), 17th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (1,200 delegates), 6th World Chambers Congress (1,000 delegates) and the 20th Video Urology World Congress 2009 (800 delegates).

Offering first-world infrastructure, technologically-advanced facilities, and professional services amidst a unique multi-cultural society, Malaysia’s appeal as a value-for-money long-haul destination is further enhanced with a variety of attractive pre and post-conference tour options, including some of the world’s best resorts.

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