Concierge association picks Kuala Lumpur

Around 800 delegates are expected to attend.

The bid was initiated by the Society of the Golden Keys Malaysia and supported by the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Kuala Lumpur City Hall and its hotel partners.

Ragu Kumarasamy, President of the Society of the Golden Keys Malaysia, said: "Malaysia’s intention to bid was presented at the International Board of Directors Meeting in Dubai in October 2010.

"Even at the preliminary stages, they were very impressed with the preparation made by the Malaysian team and last year in 2011, we were officially awarded the right to host the conference after the UK in 2012 and New Zealand in 2013.

"Malaysia was chosen due to its positioning as an emerging economy especially in the hotel and tourism industry. It is also a country that offers an array of purpose-built and modern infrastructure for meetings and is easily accessible from neighbouring countries’ airports.

"The local organising team has already been busy evaluating potential venues for the conference as well as hotels to support the accommodation of delegates from 44 member countries."

Zulkefli Hj Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB, said: "At MyCEB, we are very supportive of local associations and we encourage collaborations to attract more business events into the country.

"Through our Industry Partner Programme (IPP), members of which include trade partners such as hotels and meeting venues, MyCEB has been providing co-operative sales and marketing opportunities, sales lead distribution, industry education and training and networking opportunities.

"This win will be the best opportunity for hotels in the country to showcase its level of service and professionalism, for both business and leisure tourism."