February 11, 2025 | Press Release

With Malaysia offering visa exemptions, direct connectivity, and a rich tapestry of cultural, culinary, and business experiences, the country is positioning itself as a prime destination for India’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. In a strategic move to capitalise on this potential, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, in partnership with Tourism Malaysia, recently hosted an exclusive corporate engagement in Mumbai to showcase Malaysia’s expansive MICE opportunities.

The high-impact event saw participation from over 30 top executives and CXOs representing multinational corporations and Indian enterprises spanning industries such as BFSI, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Carefully curated by Thomas Cook, the event aimed to provide a deep dive into Malaysia’s MICE offerings while fostering business networking and collaboration.

The event was inaugurated by Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, who emphasised the country’s commitment to expanding its MICE infrastructure and accessibility for Indian businesses. “Malaysia is uniquely positioned as a MICE destination, offering significant advantages such as visa-free travel, strong flight connectivity from major Indian cities, and excellent infrastructure for all group sizes. With exceptional value offerings, we are eager to welcome more Indian corporates for their MICE programs in 2025-26 and beyond,” he stated.

A distinguished panel of Tourism Malaysia officials, including Nuwal Fadhillah Ku Azmi (Director of International Promotion, Asia & Africa), Azura Zainol Abidin (President, Malaysia Sports Tourism), and Noriah Jaafar (Director, Tourism Malaysia Mumbai), played a key role in the event. The unique format combined insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and one-on-one interactions to provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of Malaysia’s MICE potential.

Recognizing India’s deep appreciation for gastronomy, the event also featured an immersive culinary experience, presenting Malaysian delicacies alongside Indian flavours and a fusion of both cuisines. The venue’s décor further enhanced the experience, capturing the vibrant cultural and scenic beauty of Malaysia.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, and Visa at Thomas Cook India, highlighted Malaysia’s appeal as a comprehensive MICE destination. “With the recent visa exemptions and enhanced flight connectivity, Malaysia is emerging as a preferred choice for MICE planners. Our corporate engagement was designed to spotlight its diverse offerings, from cultural richness to business-friendly infrastructure. Our commitment was reinforced last year through our MoU with Malaysia Aviation Group (Malaysia Airlines) and participation in MATTA Fair 2024.”

The event concluded on a high note, with attendees walking away with fresh perspectives and a renewed enthusiasm to explore Malaysia for their upcoming corporate programs. Meera Charnalia, Executive Vice President & Head – MICE, Thomas Cook India, affirmed the company’s focus on customised solutions tailored to corporate needs. “By delivering seamless MICE experiences, we aim to elevate Malaysia’s standing as a leading destination for corporate events.”

With its seamless connectivity, world-class infrastructure, and diverse offerings, Malaysia is well-positioned to capture a larger share of India’s growing MICE market, setting the stage for further collaborations and engagements in the years ahead.