With the extension of visa exemptions, easy access, direct connectivity and diverse offerings, including gastronomy, culture, heritage, shopping and nightlife — Malaysia presents an unrivalled combination of attributes making it an attractive destination for India’s MICE segment. In a focused endeavor to inspire its top corporates, Thomas Cook (India) Limited – India’s leading omnichannel travel services company partnered with Tourism Malaysia to host a high-impact MICE event in Mumbai.
The engagement witnessed strong participation of over 30 CXOs and senior executives from leading multinational corporations and Indian corporate houses across sectors that included BFSI, pharma, electronics, trade etc. along with representatives from Tourism Malaysia and Thomas Cook. These attendees were carefully handpicked by Thomas Cook to attend the exclusive, high-impact event Inaugurated by Mr. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, the event highlighted Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to expanding its MICE offerings and enhancing its accessibility for Indian corporates.
Organized in coordination with Nuwal Fadhillah Ku Azmi (Director International Promotion, Asia & Africa), Azura Zainol Abidin (President, Malaysia Sports Tourism), Noriah Jaafar (Director, Tourism Malaysia Mumbai) and T.Ediwanto T.Eddie (Dy Director of Tourism Malaysia), the unique format of the event allowed for a productive blend of business and networking, packed with insightful presentations, engaging discussions and invaluable one-on-one sessions that allowed participants to explore Malaysia’s vast MICE offerings in depth. The intent was not only to showcase Malaysia opportunity but also to inspire significant MICE groups for 2025-26.
Gastronomy being a key element for India’s MICE segment, the event featured an immersive culinary experience with a delightful array of Malaysian delicacies, vibrant Indian cuisine and an innovative fusion of Malay-Indian-inspired dishes. The Malaysia-inspired décor transformed the event’s ambiance, capturing the essence of the country’s rich culture and scenic beauty.
The event concluded on a high note, with exciting prizes, giveaways, and many participants leaving with renewed enthusiasm to consider Malaysia as the top choice for their MICE programs in 2025-26 and beyond.
Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General, Tourism Malaysia, said, “We are proud to partner with Thomas Cook India to showcase Malaysia’s varied facets and unique offerings to its MICE clients. Malaysia’s warm welcome is a source of national pride and it has something to offer to groups of all sizes and tastes. Malaysia is uniquely positioned as a MICE destination, offering significant advantages such as visa-free travel, strong flight connectivity with direct flights from key Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and others, and excellent infrastructure that caters to all group sizes. Coupled with its exceptional value offerings, Malaysia provides an ideal environment for MICE events. We look forward to a long term collaboration to bring more Indian corporates to Malaysia for their MICE programs in the years ahead.”
Noriah Jaafar, Director, Tourism Malaysia Mumbai, said, “From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the serene beaches of Langkawi, Malaysia offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. It is an ideal destination for corporate groups seeking a combination of business and leisure, with diverse experiences to inspire and reward. Through our partnership with Thomas Cook India, we aim to continue building engagement and delivering exceptional MICE experiences, positioning Malaysia as the destination of choice for India’s growing corporate travel market.”
Rajeev Kale – President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Malaysia is not just a destination; it’s like a multifaceted jewel, offering exceptional value, world- class hospitality, and easy accessibility. With the recent exemption of visa requirements and direct connectivity, Malaysia stands poised to become the go-to choice for MICE planners. The intent of this corporate engagement was to bring Malaysia to the market, highlighting its unique blend of cultural richness, value offerings, and the seamless travel experience it offers. Last year, we strengthened our commitment by signing an MOU with Malaysia Aviation Group (Malaysia Airlines), tapping into the growing appetite of Indian travelers for Malaysia and beyond; as well had participated in the MATTA Fair 2024.”
Meera Charnalia, Executive Vice President & Head – MICE, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “This engagement marked our focused effort to elevate Malaysia’s standing in the competitive MICE market. With its exceptional offerings, ranging from state-of-the-art infrastructure to diverse cultural experiences, Malaysia is well positioned to meet the growing demands of Indian corporates. By delivering customized MICE solutions that address the specific needs of our clients, Thomas Cook India is reinforcing its commitment to providing seamless and memorable corporate travel experiences. I hope this engagement will further solidify Malaysia as a top choice for MICE events, offering immense potential for growth in the years to come.”
