Malaysia: Asian fusion.(travel services)(Country overview)

Malaysia's mix of beaches, rainforests and modern cities is noteworthy, but blend that with its history, culture and meetings infrastructure and its case becomes compelling. Teresa Machan reports.

Rich in culture, history and natural assets and blessed with a balmy, tropical climate, Malaysia has a head start when it comes to wooing business tourists. English is widely spoken and the capital is a modern and fully functioning metropolis. Aside from its well developed infrastructure, the country's diverse attractions provide great post-meeting incentives, with rainforests, eco-tours, luxury island escapes, cruises, delectable cuisine, exclusive hideaways, spas, golf or water-based experiences all on the agenda.

BT Wholesale event manager Emma Taylor took 50 sales staff on a two-centre Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur incentive in September. 'Whether it was sailing around the lush island of Langkawi, the first-class service at the world-renowned Datai hotel, the endless opportunities for shopping in KL or the transfer by vintage car to the farewell dinner, the feedback we've received on Malaysia has been excellent,' she says.

The destination is high on the pitch list for the Grass …