The city of Kota Kinabalu has been voted one of the best resort destinations by readers of CEI Asia, a publication for tourism and travel news, conferences, event and incentives. This puts Kota Kinabalu on the same level as Bali and Phuket, according to the results, as reported by The Borneo Post.

The CEI's annual industry survey, the CEI Readers' Choice Awards, has been running for 15 years and sets the benchmark to showcase Asia Pacific's best in business events.

According to the CEI website, travel industry heavyweights Singapore and Hong Kong have retained their positions as premier MICE destinations, competing for the top spot in numerous categories.

New nominations from Hainan, the Philippines and Vietnam have made their way into the top three.

This year, the CEI Asia readers' survey also added new categories, bringing in wins for airlines and newly-opened venues.