In the first six months of operation, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has delivered RM322 million (USD86 million, EUR70 million, GBP48 million) to the economy of the city of Kuala Lumpur.

This economic benefit to Kuala Lumpur has in turn benefited local retailers, the hotel and airline industries and generated many more employment opportunities through the contractors to event organisers.

In addition, it has further boosted the country's economy through foreign exchange earnings with events attended by regional and international delegates as well as enhancing the city's growing reputation as one of the Asia-Pacific region's leading convention locations.      

Since its opening in mid-June 2005 through to year end December 2005 (6½ months), the Centre has been the venue of choice for 225 events attended by over 790,000 people. These events were 76 banquets, 24 conventions, 26 exhibitions, 96 meetings & seminars and 3 entertainment events.

Of these, 13 were international gatherings, attended by 13,017 delegates and 33 regional events attended by 164,123 delegates, which in total represents 20% of the Centre's business. Undoubtedly, the Asia Pacific region represents the fastest growing region worldwide for conferences, as evidenced by the 20 percent in foreign events held at the Centre during its first six months of operation and as also identified by industry statistics.

Looking ahead, there are over 400 bookings at the Centre between now (January 26 2006) and end 2012.  These include:

• 30^th Annual Conference and Exhibition of the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA), a premier industry event for Inflight Entertainment (IFE) professionals, organised by the US-based WAEA. To be held from 19 - 22 October 2009, the event is expected to attract some 1,300 airlines and IFE delegates from around the world to discuss the latest trends in airline inflight entertainment and communications.
• 25^th World Gas Conference (WGC) in 2012.  As a result of winning the bid to host the International Gas Union (IGU) Presidency for the 2009 - 2012 triennium, Malaysia has been given the privilege of hosting the 25^th WGC which is scheduled to be held in 2012 and expects to attract some 6,000 delegates from around the world. Currently with Denmark, the Presidency rotates around the world.  The upcoming triennium will see it move to Argentina.
• World Route Development Forum in 2008. The world's largest airport to airline networking opportunity, the event brings into focus the growing importance of commercial relationships between airlines and airports as well as the forging of new deals to expand air routes around the world. Expected to attract some 600 airports, 275 airlines and 1,700 delegates from around the world, the three-day gathering will also mark the first time an Asian country has been selected to host an event traditionally held annually in Europe.

Peter Brokenshire, general manager, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, said "conference delegates or 'super tourists' have three times more spending power and stay longer then leisure tourists so generate more revenue. With most of their travel and accommodation expenses paid for by their companies, they are left with more money to spend on shopping excursions, fine dining experiences as well as pre and post tours around the country".