Over 800 of the world’s best concierges will meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the 61st Les Clefs d’Or UIHC International Congress in January 2014.

Kuala Lumpur was chosen as the preferred destination by the International Board of Directors of the Union Internationale Des Concierges D’Hotels “Les Clefs d’Or”, headquartered in Paris, following a competitive bid presentation by the Malaysian team in Toronto, Canada.

The successful bid was initiated by Society of the Golden Keys Malaysia and supported by the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Kuala Lumpur City Hall and its hotel partners. The win further reinforces Malaysia’s standing as the preferred meeting destination for global associations wanting to connect with Asia and to experience Malaysia’s myriad of exciting attractions.

The concierge, means ‘caretaker’ or literally, ‘keeper of the keys’ in French, has been the hallmark of European hotels for centuries and is now fast becoming established in many well-known hotels in Asia.

According to Mr. Ragu Kumarasamy, President, Society of the Golden Keys Malaysia, “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 United Kingdom (2012) and New Zealand (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 the delegates from 44 member countries,” continued  Ragu.

According to Mr Zulkefli Hj Sharif, Chief Executive Officer, MyCEB, “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”.