More fruit trees for PD hotel

Thistle Port Dickson marked Earth Day recently by adding three more fruit species to its “Eco Park”, bringing the number of flora and fruit species planted at its sprawling 36ha grounds to more than 80. The inaugural event, themed “Trees-tle Day”, was held to mark its commitment to preserve the environment and to promote eco-tourism. Thistle Port Dickson regional general manager Dean Rossilli, Port Dickson Municipal Council Abu Bakar Deli and Negri Sembilan Journalists’ Association head Muhammad Rais Yeop Johari planted three saplings — mango, rambutan and guava — to mark the event.

The other fruit tree species planted at the hotel’s park are longan, duku, chempedak, banana, breadfruit and coconut. There is also a wide range of flora such as Chinese fan palm, hurricane palm, tamarind, pony tail, iron wood and cashew nut. Rossilli said the Eco Park was a popular spot among its guests expecially foreigners who enjoyed strolling in the area. “Although the name, Trees-tle Day is in jest, the objective behind it is very real. “The event is to remind us to be grateful to Mother Earth for the environment we are blessed with and the role each of us must play to preserve this for our future generations,” he said. Rossilli said despite having many attractions, it was unfortunate that Port Dickson’s beauty was often overlooked by foreign tourists.

Citing examples, he said apart from its sandy beaches, Port Dickson’s Cape Rachado was a popular stop for migratory raptors and Sg Linggi was famous for its estuarine crocodiles and Monkey Island for its ape species. He said the event also complemented Tourism Negri Sembilan’s newly announced “Back to Nature” slogan. “I would also like to congratulate Tourism Negri Sembilan for breathing new life into the theme,” he said.

Formerly known as Guoman, Thistle Port Dickson was unveiled in mid-2009 after a RM20mil facelift. The property is managed by Hong Leong Group subsidiary Thistle Hotels.

-thestar online.