Club Med Cherating to close for major renovation

 

Club Med Cherating will undergo a comprehensive renovation from October 11, 2026, ushering in a new chapter for the group’s first resort in Asia. 

The refurbishment will reposition the property as an all-inclusive resort centred on its 80ha jungle setting and beachfront location. Club Med said the redesign will preserve the site’s natural environment while introducing upgraded accommodation, public spaces and guest facilities. 

Opened as Club Med’s first resort in Asia, Cherating remains the only property in the region with a self-contained jungle within the resort grounds. 

The refreshed resort will introduce five new signature experiences, including the Jungle Express transport service through the jungle, guided nature trails, a cliffside climbing experience, farm-to-table dining at Rembulan gourmet club, and a firefly mangrove cruise. 

The renovation will also follow the group’s Happy to Care sustainability programme, with plans to retain the existing low-density footprint and protect local biodiversity. 

Ahead of the closure, Club Med will host a series of farewell activities from mid-August, including a weekly street market, sports challenges, a resort memory wall and charity auctions featuring memorabilia from the property. The final auction will take place on October 8, with proceeds going to charity. 

Rachael Harding, CEO, Southeast Asia and Pacific, Club Med, said: “Club Med Cherating holds a special place in our history as our first home in Asia. This transformation will open a new chapter for this iconic destination, creating a more sophisticated yet deeply natural escape where guests can leave daily life behind and reconnect with the world around them.”

-TTG Asia.

Tourism Malaysia Forges Strategic Partnership Wth Sunway Hospitality Group

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Tourism Malaysia today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sunway Hospitality Group, marking a major milestone for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). This partnership represents one of the most significant public-private collaboration for the national tourism campaign, underscoring the government’s commitment to driving growth in international visitor arrivals.

The MoU was formalised by Mr Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, together with Mr Alex Castaldi, CEO of Sunway Hospitality Group. Together, the two organisations will collaborate on a wide range of joint marketing and promotional initiatives designed to put Malaysia firmly on the radar of travellers worldwide.

Under the MoU, Tourism Malaysia and Sunway Hospitality Group will boost Malaysia’s tourism sector through several key initiatives. The partnership will showcase Sunway’s premier hotels and resorts through hosted familiarisation (FAM) trips for international media, influencers, and travel trade partners. Simultaneously, it will leverage joint overseas sales missions, co-branded digital marketing, and targeted activations to aggressively amplify Malaysia’s profile in high-potential regional and long-haul markets.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Country Heights to reposition iconic Palace of the Golden Horses

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Country Heights Holdings Bhd (CHHB) is gearing up to reposition the Palace of the Golden Horses, a landmark 400-room hotel in Mines Resort City, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, as part of its comprehensive long-term strategic plan. 

The luxury hotel remains a cornerstone asset for CHHB, strategically connected to the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) and the surrounding precinct. Overlooking the scenic Mines Lake, the property anchors the area as a premier leisure, events, and lifestyle hub. Its signature features, including a golden chariot entrance and meticulously designed interiors, have made it one of Malaysia's most iconic and visually distinctive hotels, attracting both local and international visitors. 

Originally developed in the 1990s on the site of the former Sungei Besi Mine, the Palace of the Golden Horses was part of a larger initiative that included the Mines Wellness Hotel, The Mines Shopping Mall, and MIECC, aimed at boosting tourism, recreation, and business events. In 2020, the hotel temporarily closed for a major refurbishment and reopened in 2021 with upgraded facilities. Notably, the hotel remained operational throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, continuing to serve medical tourists, while traditional Chinese medicine offerings saw particularly strong demand during that period. 

CHHB founder and advisor Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew said the repositioning of the Palace of the Golden Horses forms part of a broader strategic vision, which also encompasses the exploration of Web 3.0–enabled platforms, the enhancement of GHHS Healthcare's preventive and wellness services, and the introduction of curated, membership-based experiences at the hotel. 

"These initiatives are designed to enhance engagement, build sustainable communities, and unlock new value streams across healthcare, hospitality, and lifestyle segments, while remaining aligned with regulatory requirements and the company's core focus on asset integrity, governance, and long-term shareholder value," he said in a statement recently. 

On the financial front, CHHB is intensifying efforts to recover outstanding debts, with rental arrears from certain tenants totalling about RM15 million. Legal action is being pursued where necessary to safeguard revenue and optimise asset performance.

Lee emphasised that while the company continues to resolve legacy matters, it remains focused on executing its long-term strategic initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and value creation across its diverse portfolio.

-nst online.

Resorts World Genting & Tourism Malaysia Memperkukuh Kerjasama Strategik Menyokong Visit Malaysia 2026

 

20 November 2025, Genting Highlands – Resorts World Genting (RWG) hari ini mengumumkan kerjasama strategik dengan Tourism Malaysia bagi menyokong agenda pelancongan negara menjelang Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Kerjasama ini dimeterai melalui Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) yang ditandatangani di Resorts World Awana dan disaksikan oleh YB Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya.

Antara tumpuan majlis ialah pratonton eksklusif Eufloria, tarikan ekopelancongan dan edutourism terbaharu RWG. Menerusi keluasan 12.5 ekar, Eufloria menampilkan kompleks rumah hijau terbesar di Malaysia seluas 3.7 ekar dengan empat rumah kaca bertema, menawarkan pengalaman botani unik kepada sehingga 8,000 pengunjung pada satu-satu masa.

Kerjasama ini mencerminkan aspirasi bersama untuk menonjolkan khazanah semula jadi Malaysia sambil memupuk hubungan bermakna antara pengunjung dan biodiversiti negara.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Resorts World Genting steps up courtship of Singapore holiday-makers

 

Crockfords in Malaysia sees more Singapore guests as Resorts World Genting rolls out exclusive deals and events across the border

Malaysia’s integrated resort, Resorts World Genting, has intensified its marketing efforts in Singapore, with special offers and exclusive gala events lined up just for holiday-makers coming from across the border. 

The promotions are part of Resorts World Genting’s year-long 60th anniversary celebrations and coincide with Singapore’s 60th year of independence. 

For the month of August, guests from Singapore can enjoy buy-one-free-one tickets to Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park and use them before September 14. 

The SG60 Gala Dinner, created in partnership with Singapore travel agency, WTS Travel, promises an evening of culinary excellence and cultural spectacle as a tribute to the shared heritage of Singapore and Malaysia. It will be hosted on August 25 at the Genting International Convention Centre. This limited-capacity event is exclusive to Genting Rewards Card members. 

Another Singapore-exclusive promotion is the 3D2N Resorts World Awana Gala Dinner Experience. Running from November 22 to 24, the weekend experience will bring guests into the restful rainforest setting of the rejuvenated Resorts World Awana property. The programme includes a gala dinner hosted by popular Singapore Malay radio station DJs at the Awana Wawasan Grand Ballroom, as well as a two-hour guided walk down the Awana Trail. 

This package is available for booking through authorised travel partners in Singapore – WTS Travel, Transtar Travel, and EU Holidays. 

Spencer Lee, executive vice president of sales, marketing and public relations at Resorts World Genting, said the Singapore market is valuable to the company. He noted that holiday-makers from Singapore are not only familiar with Resorts World Genting, they are also strong repeat visitors through generations and come with a strong spending power. 

Arrivals from Singapore to the integrated resorts grows 10 per cent annually. 

While Singaporean guests typically favour the complex’s Resort Hotel, Lee said more are booking the luxurious Crockfords, which is the one and only hotel in Malaysia to receive the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award for seven consecutive years. 

“Our tagline, Enjoy More For A Lot Less, emphasises how far the strong Singapore dollar can stretch for our Singapore guests who are coming to Resorts World Genting. Singapore guests can enjoy a Forbes five-star hotel at a good price in Malaysian ringgit,” he remarked. 

A check on the hotel website shows that a night’s stay in a superior room in Crockfords is priced at 1,483 ringgit (US$373) for non-members over the August 8 to 10 Singapore National Day weekend. In comparison, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star-awarded hotels in Singapore command between S$1,450 (US$1,126) and S$10,000 per night for the same weekend. 

Lee added that Singapore guests can enjoy a variety of experiences in the misty highlands, from nature-focused retreats at Resorts World Awana to high-energy entertainment at Resorts World Genting, and from gourmet indulgences to retail therapy. Furthermore, a new botanical themed attraction, Eufloria, is set to welcome guests in 1Q2026. 

To highlight new developments and transformation across the integrated resort,  Resorts World Genting will join the Travel Malaysia Fair from October 3 to 5 at the Singapore Expo, where travellers can also snag hot deals and exclusive gifts.

-TTG Asia.

Ombak Festival @ Desaru Coast, Johor ( 12 ~ 14 September 2025 )

 

Golden hour on the beach. World-class performances under the stars. Ombak Festival 2025 brings a new wave of music, art and memory-making to Desaru Coast, Johor, Malaysia.

Be part of The Ultimate Weekend from 12 -14 September. Limited Early Bird tickets are officially live, book yours before they’re gone.

Head to www.ombakfestival.com for more info.

-Ombak Festival.

Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park rings in the new year with new deals, special pricing

 

GENTING HIGHLANDS: Visitors can experience the Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park with special pricing this year, beginning from as low as RM98.

Voted as one of the world's best new theme parks by CNN Travel, Genting SkyWorlds is the first and only theme park to be conferred the Malaysia Tourism Quality Assurance (MyTQA) platinum rating by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.

At the forefront of family entertainment, the integrated technology-enabled entertainment is showcased through nine specially-curated and distinctive themed "worlds".

Genting Malaysia Bhd senior vice president of sales and marketing Spencer Lee said: "We would like to thank all Malaysians and our international visitors for their continuous support since the opening of the park in February 2022. We invite them to rediscover the park with new offerings."

The special prices are available until June 30 for bookings via Resorts World Genting or Genting SkyWorlds's website.

Families and those travelling in groups can take advantage of the Buy More Save More 1-Day Ticket Combo, which is an exclusive online deal from the Genting website. Visitors can save up to 41 per cent with a minimum purchase of four tickets for RM454 (save RM202) or a maximum purchase of 9 tickets for RM873 (save RM603).

With such great deals, there's no better time than now to embark on an immersive adventure above the clouds. Visitors are advised to plan ahead by booking their tickets at least one day in advance.

Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park is open from 11am to 6pm. From 6pm onwards, the park's enchantment extends into the night with good food, live entertainment and a dancing fountain show at Gohtong Way. Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park and Gohtong Way are closed on Tuesdays except on Malaysian public holidays.

Visitors can access the park through SkyAvenue Gateway, located at Level G, SkyAvenue.

For more information and/or updates on the latest promotions, visit gentingskyworlds.com or the theme park's official social media channels.

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia Gets Up Close With RESORTS WORLD GENTING At Its Net-Work Sesh 2/2023

 

PUTRAJAYA, 27 October 2023 – Tourism Malaysia is organising its second edition of Net-Work Sesh 2023 in close collaboration with Resorts World Genting. Held at Dewan Sanggar Pujangga, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the programme aims at showcasing Resorts World Genting products with a special appearance by ZUS Coffee.

The programme features Resorts World Genting, Genting Skyworlds, Resorts World Langkawi, Resorts World Awana, and Resorts World Kijal. A total of 150 attendees consisting of officers from Tourism Malaysia, MOTAC, Islamic Tourism Centre, and the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia are expected to partake in the business-to-business (B2B) sessions with many exciting prizes and activities await the lucky winners.

Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghappar, the Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, said: “This is a good opportunity for us to further understand the property and continue our networking with Resorts World Genting Group. Today’s session is a platform for industry players to share their services and updates on their products. It has become part of our “tradition”, a way for our officers to keep abreast with the latest products from the industry, especially now as we embark towards Visit Malaysia 2026.”

The successful first edition of Tourism Malaysia’s Net-Work Sesh 2023 was held on 13 September 2023, themed Experience Challenge, bringing forth several extreme and outdoor product owners such as ESCAPE, Skytrex Adventure, Rentas Adventures, Jumpstreet Asia dan SuperPark Malaysia.

Through this session, Tourism Malaysia hopes to work with more tourism products for potential package development and promotional activities, both for the domestic and international markets.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Genting Highlands unveils first CBD and integrated entertainment hub

 

A new integrated development, King’s Park, valued at 10 billion ringgit (US$2.1 billion) gross development, will be constructed in Genting Highlands, featuring family oriented dining, retail, entertainment, hospitality, medical and wellness as well as residences.

It will be located in the mid hills of Genting Highlands, five kilometres below the peak of Genting Highlands and 33km away from Kuala Lumpur.

Leveraging on the already high tourist arrivals at Genting Highlands, King’s Park Genting Highlands is a mega development in partnership with Yuk Tung Group and the Association for the Promotion of Higher Education in Malaysia.

The development will comprise an integrated entertainment hub that includes a unique blend of living spaces, commercial and recreational offerings and span over 61 hectares of freehold land.

At the grand opening of King’s Park Gallery on July 22, its executive vice president, Sean Chen, said that King’s Park development is poised to become Genting Highland’s first CBD and integrated entertainment hub.

This mega project will be segmented into five phases. The first phase is scheduled to be completed in 2026 and will comprise a commercial centre featuring a two kilometre stretch of pedestrian street shops. The 12 blocks planned will house a total of 360 shops with colonial and vintage architecture. Each retail block unit is held under a freehold strata title and has its own identity and facade design.

Later phases will include hotels with service apartments, two international branded theme parks, a halal hub with halal dining and a Syariah compliant hotel as well as housing units. One international hotel brand that has confirmed its presence is Swissôtel, which will make its Malaysian debut at King’s Park, when it opens in late 2028.

The final phase will be the construction of a wellness and medical centre, expected to be completed in the next eight to 10 years.

Chen added: “We extend a warm invitation to global investors to be part of this remarkable venture. As the project progresses, we anticipate a multitude of businesses, residents and tourists to be drawn to this thriving hub, thus cementing its status as a pulsating heart of an active and exciting region.”

-TTG Asia.

Sunway Sanctuary launches serviced residences with senior guests in mind

 

Sunway Healthcare has created Sunway Sanctuary, a serviced residence that caters to guests aged 55 years and above and stands out with easy access to quality healthcare services, and wellness and lifestyle facilities.

The serviced residence is annexed to Sunway Medical Centre in Sunway City. Facilities include 235 studios, as well as one- and two-bedroom serviced suites; and over 9,290m² of wellness and lifestyle facilities such as a heated, saltwater infinity swimming pool, gym, outdoor terrace for yoga and meditation, library with co-working spaces, game rooms, movie theatre, karaoke lounges, an all-day dining restaurant, and function rooms.

Sunway Sanctuary offers wellness and lifestyle facilities such as a heated, saltwater infinity swimming pool, pictured.

Health-conscious guests can rely on the property’s wellness centre, where qualified personnel will provide standard health checks, blood tests, regular vitals monitoring, and nutrition and dietary advice.

Leonard Theng Boon Liang, general manager, Sunway Sanctuary, shared that guests can access trained professionals who will provide fitness workout sessions and assistance with daily needs and errands, as well as event planning services for residents’ special occasions.

Besides targeting active retirees and semi-retirees, Sunway Sanctuary is also eyeing the senior expatriate community in Malaysia as well as medical tourists from abroad.

Three-day, monthly and annual packages are offered, along with customisable retirement staycation packages to allow interested applicants the opportunity to experience the Sunway Sanctuary lifestyle before making a long-term commitment. These packages comprise room upgrade, daily meals, housekeeping services, access to wellness facilities, and recreational and leisure activities.

-TTG Asia.

Driving Malaysia as the Preferred Destination for Educational and Cultural Exchange Through LEGOLAND® School Challenge 2023

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 17 May 2023 – LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort today announced the return of the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 powered by Iskandar Investment Berhad, a coveted competition where primary and secondary school children get to showcase their ingenuity and creativity through LEGO® Model Building. Back for its second year, the competition is open to students from ASEAN countries for the first time, including schools from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

In 2022, over 205 student groups participated in the LEGOLAND School Challenge and benefitted from the opportunity to learn through play. This year, LEGOLAND Malaysia aims to increase the participation rate of the challenge to more than 400 school groups from the region. 

The LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023, powered by Iskandar Investment Berhad, is designed to help students cultivate various soft skills, including teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving and self-confidence. The Malaysian Ministry of Education (MoE) recognizes the program’s benefits and has extended its endorsement for the competition. With MoE’s support, Malaysian students can add their participation in the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 as their extracurricular activities. 

This year’s challenge theme calls for students to imagine and build Cities of The Future in LEGO bricks. Students can participate in the challenge in a few easy steps to stand a chance to win their share of prizes worth up to a total of RM100,000: 

⦁ First, students need to form groups of 5-15 students with 1-3 teachers and register their group on the ⦁ LEGOLAND School Challenge ⦁ 2023 web⦁ site from now until 26 May. 

⦁ Once they have been registered, student teams need to ideate and start building their futuristic LEGO cities. 

⦁ For their final submission, teams need to upload pictures of their model alongside a photo, video, and written description about their design. 

⦁ Submissions will be reviewed by an expert panel from LEGOLAND Malaysia, including a team of Master Model Builders. 

⦁ Ten winning teams from two categories will be selected and invited to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort for a prize-giving ceremony. Winners will also have a chance to display their builds in the resort for one month where guests can admire their creations. 

⦁ In addition to a trip to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort and a share of prizes worth up to a total of RM100,000, teams will be able to experience a special LEGO Building workshop with a Master LEGO Builder and some of the MoE-endorsed Education Programmes available in the resort. 

The LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 is made possible with the active involvement and support across federal and state government departments, and partners including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Ministry of Education (MoE), Johor Tourism, Johor State Education Department, and Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB).

“As Malaysia aspires to be one of the top ten education destinations, we commend LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort's innovative approach to education tourism in promoting Malaysia as a hub for educational and cultural exchange in the region. We believe the collaborative effort between public and private sectors is the key to the resurgence of domestic and inbound travel and boosting the of tourist arrivals,” said Dato’ Dr Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director-General, Tourism Malaysia.

“LEGOLAND Malaysia is more than just an international theme park. We recognize our unique role in driving domestic and international travel through innovative education tourism offerings. LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 is developed to give students and teachers a taste of the meaningful and fun experience that LEGOLAND Malaysia offers. We also hope that the initiative will help boost awareness among families and LEGO fans across Southeast Asia to consider LEGOLAND Malaysia as a holiday destination – a place where they can endlessly immerse themselves in our LEGO DNA of learning through play and the cultural richness of the state of Johor,” said CS Lim, Divisional Director, LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort. 

“IIB is delighted to be the main partner for the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023. As the strategic developer of Medini, Iskandar Puteri, we strongly believe in the power of education and its potential to the shape the future. This partnership embodies our commitment to fostering innovative thinking, creativity, and teamwork among the younger generation. We believe the challenge is an ideal platform for students to learn, explore and apply their scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical skills in a fun, hands-on environment. The LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 powered by Iskandar Investment Berhad, aligns  with our mission to invest in tomorrow’s talents and create meaningful, transformative experiences that inspire creativity, innovation and lifelong learning, all of which are the components of building an inclusive and sustainable future metropolis here in Medini,” said Dato’ Idzham Mohd Hashim, President and Chief Executive Officer of Iskandar Investment Berhad. 

For more information about the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort’s educational initiatives, parents, educators, and students can find out more on LEGOLAND Malaysia’s official website. For the latest updates on promotions and activities, stay connected via Facebook and Instagram.

-LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort.

Club Med Borneo to open late 2024

 

Club Med Singapore and Malaysia general manager Olivier Monceau. - Pic courtesy of Club Med

KUANTAN: Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu in Sabah will open by the end of next year.

The 17ha eco-friendly beachfront resort in Kuala Penyu will have 400 rooms, including 40 suites, and is about 90 minutes by road from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

Club Med Singapore and Malaysia general manager Olivier Monceau said Club Med's expansion in Malaysia through the opening of the second resort was timely and exciting.

"At the moment, the focus is on when we plan to open.

"Hopefully, we can stick to the opening date at the end of 2024, which will be a great achievement.

"The tourism market is recovering, especially after the lengthy lockdown, and we are moving in the right direction.

"The resort will be built to meet a top environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings.

"The focus will be on the environment and the people, including proper waste management and reducing carbon footprints," he said at Club Med Cherating recently.

Monceau said the resort in Sabah, a collaboration with owners Golden Sands Beach Resort City, would be a four-trident resort, with a five-trident exclusive collection on top of added services to personalise guests' stay.

Tridents is the "star" ratings at Club Med.

It was reported in 2019 that Club Med's first green resort in Sabah was supposed to have opened by late last year before the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in delays.

Meanwhile, Monceau said the Kota Kinabalu resort's design was inspired by local cultures that blended with the rainforest.

"The resort will offer plenty of activities that encourage guests to preserve the location's beauty and discover local gems.

"I think each and every location (Club Med) has its own beauty and uniqueness… you might want to experience scuba diving in Sabah, which you cannot get in Cherating.

"Guests can experience local culture at the resort without stepping out, including attending workshops and culinary classes.

"For example, at Club Med Bali, we host the Balinese Day with the famous kecak fire-and-dance show and workshops.

"At Club Med Phuket, guests can learn to cook Thai food, learn a traditional dance or take up Muay Thai (Thai boxing)."

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia steps up trade initiatives in India

 

Tourism Malaysia is intensifying destination promotions in India, starting with a series of roadshows across the country this month.

The series kicked off in New Delhi on April 18, and followed through at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai.

Apart from senior officials of Tourism Malaysia, the roadshows also featured three Malaysia-based airlines, 22 travel agents, four hoteliers, and four product owners.

Manoharan Periasamy, senior director of the international promotion division, Asia/Africa, said Tourism Malaysia is eager to let Indian trade partners know that Malaysia is ready to welcome back tourists.

“We are already seeing strong demand from the Indian market, with a 500 pax wedding group showing interest in travelling to Malaysia and a 150 pax incentive group considering Malaysia for their trip,” shared Periasamy.

The NTO is now shortlisting Indian travel agents to undergo joint promotions, and is planning a number of fam trips for travel agents, media, and corporate buyers between June and August.

“Apart from already popular destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands, we are looking to promote other destinations like Sabah and Desaru in India. We expect demand to be on track beginning May to June when a number of airlines will increase flight frequencies between the two countries,” said Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, senior deputy director, international promotion division, Asia/Africa.

Periasamy added that Malaysia is also keen on promoting eco-tourism and wellness travel to Indian travellers.

Malaysia has recorded more than 2,700 Indian tourists since reopening her borders on April 1. India is among Malaysia’s top four international source markets.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal opens

 

Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, the final component of the phase one development of Desaru Coast Destination Resorts in Malaysia is now completed.

It is equipped with a Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex and maritime facilities, as well as the latest bidirectional immigration automated e-gate. The new generation e-gate offers a double swing door and enhanced security features, making immigration screening more efficient and effective at peak travel times.

The ferry terminal is able to process 300 passengers at any given time, and it intends to serve two round trips from Singapore on Thursdays to Sundays, and one round trip on Monday to Wednesday based on market demand.

Earlier in March, Desaru Coast Destination Resorts appointed Desaru Link Ferry Services to operate passenger ferry services connecting Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal with Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.

Speaking at its officiating ceremony on March 31, Amran Hafiz Affifudin, chairman of Desaru Development Holdings One, said: “As a long-term developer, entrusted to play a central role in the tourism landscape of Johor, it has been our commitment and responsibility to bring value to the community and state. While we developed the ferry terminal as a connectivity and catalytic component for Desaru Coast to realise its full potential as an international destination, it is our hope that it will foster wider benefits for the state of Johor. In establishing this international gateway as the 16th entry point into Malaysia, we hope to spur and multiply the socio-economic development for the state and subsequently the country.”

With the completion of the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, the destination is ready to execute its strategic and commercial plans in its next phase of business growth.

Roslina Arbak, managing director and CEO of Desaru Development Holdings One, said the ferry terminal is a “game-changer”, enabling the destination to “unlock new market and business opportunities”.

She expects the improved connectivity to boost Desaru’s ability to capture business events and attract “like-minded investors who wish to leverage the infrastructure and facilities we have put in place to further enhance destination offerings and ensure the success of all players at Desaru Coast”.

-TTG Asia.

Matta Fair returns to World Trade Centre on April 9 and 10

 

Genting Malaysia Bhd Sales and Marketing senior vice-president Spencer Lee (2nd-left), Matta secretary-genera Mohammad Faeez Mohammad Fadhlillah (2nd-right), Gojo Malaysia Bhd business head K Mathy (right) and Matta manager (CEO Office) Maziah Mihat pose for a photo after the press conference in Kuala Lumpur. - NSTP/AMIRUL JOHARI

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 200 tourism industry players are expected to take part in the upcoming Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) fair to be held at the World Trade Centre on April 9 and 10.

Matta secretary-general Mohammad Faeez Mohammad Fadhlillah said a wide variety of domestic and international holiday packages would be offered at this year's Matta fair in collaboration with Resorts World Genting as its resorts partner and GOJO.

He said Matta was optimistic that the event could further spur the nation's economy, thus contributing to inbound tourism growth.

"Our tourism industry is picking up its pace, to a point that workers impacted by the pandemic are asked to come back to work.

"Through marketing and promotional activities, such as this Matta fair, we believe there will be multiplier effects of tourist spending which can boost our local economies, and the subsectors in the tourism industry," he said at a press conference held at Matta headquarters here earlier today.

Also present were Genting Malaysia Bhd Sales and Marketing senior vice-president Spencer Lee and Gojo Malaysia Bhd business head K Mathy.

Lee said the industry-led collaboration would further strengthen their existing relationship while presenting mutually beneficial prospects and opportunities for future engagements.

"We've made necessary arrangements in welcoming tourists across regions via this fair and through this close collaboration with Matta, Tourism Malaysia and other key industry players."

We're excited to showcase Genting SkyWorlds theme parks to the world at Matta Fair, as well as supporting local travel agents representing and selling Resorts World travel packages.

"We also hope to see an increase in sales, as a result of our attractive deals, discounts and promotions both online and on-site available only at the Matta Fair," he said.

With free admission, public can go to the Matta fair from 9am to 7pm on both days.

Among the travelling and holiday packages available at the Matta Fair include Genting SkyWorlds tickets that will be sold at a 5 per cent discount, on top of its existing 20 per cent soft opening promotion, as well as a Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park one day unlimited ride pass available for RM58 per ticket.

Members of the public stand a chance to participate in a lucky draw with every RM200 spent on April 10. Among the prizes offered are a one-night stay (breakfast included) at Crockfords Hotel's Junior Suite, Genting Skyworlds tickets and limited-edition merchandise.

Members of the public can log on to MATTA's official website or follow their official social media pages for more information.

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia’s Fam Trip To Langkawi & Genting Highlands For Indonesian Market

 

GENTING HIGHLANDS, 11 March 2022 – Tourism Malaysia organised a Familiarisation Trip Programme for a group from Indonesia in a bid to promote Malaysia as a safe holiday destination concerning the reopening of the country's borders starting 1st April 2022.

A total of 9 participants, comprising 5 travel agents and 4 media from the Indonesian market of Jakarta and Medan, were invited for an eight-day seven-night (8D7N) stay in Langkawi and Genting Highlands from 4 to 11 March 2022.

The participants explored Langkawi through a mangrove tour in Kubang Badak, Langkawi Skycab ride – the world’s steepest cable car, and explored the largest interactive 3D museum in Malaysia at 3D Art Langkawi. They also attended a dinner hosted by the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) Kedah Chapter at Goldsands Hotel.

This tour programme was also a join collaboration with Resort World Genting, where participants were brought to experience Genting SkyWorlds, Genting Highlands’ newest attraction, followed by the Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, and Awana Skyway, a gondola lift system which is 3.4-kilometre long and can transport 1,600 people per hour, as well as an overnight stay at Resort World Awana Hotel.

This programme is an initiative of Tourism Malaysia that aims to showcase Malaysia as an exciting and value-for-money destination as well as to spark interest among the travel agents to develop attractive packages for the Indonesian market.

Since 15 November 2021, international tourism has resumed in Langkawi under the international travel bubble initiative as part of the greater effort to revive the island’ economy brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 165 tourists from Indonesia has participated in this programme. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a total of 3.6 million Indonesian tourists visited Malaysia in 2019.

Dato’ Hj. Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia said, “We welcome fully-vaccinated Indonesian travellers to Malaysia after nearly two years of border closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Tourism Malaysia hopes that the implementation of such programme will help to stimulate and revitalise Malaysia’s tourism industry as well as to raise the confidence level of Indonesian tourists to choose Malaysia as their preferred holiday destination.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Desaru Coast hires Desaru Link to provide ferry services connecting Singapore

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Desaru Coast Destination Resort has appointed Desaru Link Ferry Services Pte Ltd (DLFS) to offer passenger ferry services connecting Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal with Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.

DLFS is a subsidiary of Batam Fast Ferry Pte Ltd.

Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Roslina Arbak said the appointment was an important step in international connectivity for the destination.

"Establishing this connectivity is central to the long-term growth of Desaru Coast. More meaningfully, an international entry point such as this will bring multi-layered economic and social benefits to communities and businesses in the South Eastern Region of Johor and we are privileged to enable and support this," she said in a statement today.

Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, which is completed and ready for operation, will connect travellers from Singapore, and eventually the Riau Islands of Batam and Bintan, to the destination.

Batam Fast is expected to provide two round trips from Singapore on Thursday to Sunday and one round trip on Monday to Wednesday based on market demand.

The capacity of the ferries serving this route will vary from 150 to 338 passengers.

Both, frequency of services and capacity of ferries will scale as market conditions improve and the tourism industry recovers.

Batam Fast chief executive officer Paul R Gannaway believes in the potential and growth of Desaru Coast where it is poised to be a leading regional tourism draw in the years to come.

"Having established Batam Fast as a leading passenger ferry operator in the region, we are pleased to continue our connectivity expansion having earmarked southeastern Johor as the desired expansion plan.

"And now, the development of Desaru Coast together with its strategic connectivity infrastructure of a brand new ferry terminal has presented us with the right opportunity to do so," he said.

Desaru Coast is home to a portfolio of globally renowned hotels and resorts, namely Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas and One and Only Desaru Coast.

The destination also boasts one of the region's largest waterparks, Desaru Coast Conference Centre, and the award winning The Els Golf Club Desaru Coast.

-nst online.

Genting SkyWorlds opens after multiple delays

 

Genting Malaysia’s new theme park, Genting SkyWorlds, will finally soft-open on February 8, following several delays since 2019.

Lee Thiam Kit, head of business operations and strategies with Genting Malaysia, said in a press statement that the attraction’s opening would support the tourism sector and the economy with the creation of over 1,000 jobs, as well as “put Malaysia and Pahang on the world tourism map”.

Built across 10.5ha of land at an elevation of 1,829m above sea level, Genting SkyWorlds offers nine movie- and adventure-inspired ‘worlds’, incorporating original intellectual properties, as well as movie-themed rides and attractions.

A 20 per cent discount on ticket prices is offered during the soft-opening phase. However, some attractions will not be available to guests.

Greg Pearn, vice president, head – theme park operations, Resorts World Genting, acknowledged that opening a theme park during the pandemic has been a challenge. “While every effort has been made to ensure our full offerings are available, a small selection of attractions require a little more time to be completed, something the team is working hard to achieve,” he said.

Universal Holiday’s founder and CEO, Zahira Tahir, said the theme park would make it easier to promote Malaysia to the Asian and Middle Eastern markets, as this is a key attraction for families visiting Malaysia.

She added: “It would also increase the length of stay of tourists. When the theme park was closed prior to the pandemic, our clients from India and the Middle East made only day trips to Genting. Earlier on, when the outdoor theme park was opened, they used to stay for one or two nights in Resorts World Genting.”

Adam Kamal, head of procurement & domestic market at Ice Holidays, said the published rates were comparable with other major theme parks in the country. However, no agent rates are offered. To sell the theme park to the domestic market, a mark-up will be needed, but that will make the rates higher than what are published online, according to Adam.

Genting Malaysia is anticipating direct online bookings from the domestic market. It has also developed an app which provides a comprehensive guide to Genting SkyWorlds, with real-time information. The app enables guests to navigate and experience the park virtually prior to arrival, giving a head-start on what to do, where to go and how to get there. Among other features, guests will be able to check wait times for rides, attractions and shows; receive promotional offers and discount vouchers; discover dining, shopping, games, and the theme park’s advanced Photo+ service.

-TTG Asia.

Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park

US$800-plus million Genting SkyWorlds to soft open on Feb 8

 

Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park

KUALA LUMPUR: Genting Malaysia Bhd's highly-anticipated US$800-plus million outdoor theme park will have its soft opening on Feb 8.

The group, in a statement today, said ticket sales of the Genting SkyWorlds would go live via the theme park's website and mobile app on Feb 4.

"We are now ready to reveal our theme park to the world," Genting Malaysia head of business operation and strategies Lee Thiam Kit said.

"Built with an investment of over US$800 million, this game-changing new themed attraction will put Malaysia and Pahang on the world tourism map," he added.

Genting SkyWorlds was expected to attract three million patrons and RM200 average spend per patron, according to Maybank Investment Bank Bhd.

This will see Genting SkyWorlds ranked as the second most visited theme park in Asean.

At RM200 per patron, Maybank IB said this would be 20 per cent lower than Universal Studios Singapore's (USS) at S$80 (about RM250).

"On Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation) margin, we assume 30 per cent or 10 percentage points higher than USS as Genting SkyWorlds will not pay 20th Century Fox gate royalties but a fixed annual licence fee.

"These result in a decent RM180 million Ebitda per annum but are not enough to offset RM330 million depreciation per annum," the bank said in a report today.

All in all, Maybank IB said it rated Genting SkyWorlds highly.

"Even though we expect Genting SkyWorlds to be loss-generating due to heavy depreciation, we are confident that it will draw the crowds (whether gaming or non-gaming) and be net positive for Genting Malaysia," said the bank, which maintained its "Buy" call and RM3.38 target price on the company.

Elaborating on the theme park, Resort World Genting vice president and head of theme park operation Greg Pearn said Genting SkyWorlds would be offering a 20 per cent discount on ticket prices while some attractions undergo the final commissioning process and remain unavailable to guests.

"Opening a theme park during the pandemic has been a challenge, and while every effort has been made to ensure our full offerings are available, a small selection of attractions require a little more time to be completed, something the team is working hard to achieve," he said.

Built across 10.52 hectares at an elevation of 6,000 feet above sea level, Genting SkyWorlds will take guests on a sky-high adventure through nine movie and adventure inspired "worlds", incorporating original intellectual properties as well as movie-themed fun and excitement across its world-class rides and attractions.

-nst online

Johor’s Desaru Coast named one of Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2021

 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 — Johor’s Desaru Coast has been named one of Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2021.

Marking its third edition of the list which comprises 100 of the magazine’s top destinations around the world, Desaru Coast is the only destination in Malaysia to make it on the list this year.

Time Magazine pays tribute with this year’s list to the people and businesses at the forefront of the industries that, amid extraordinary circumstances, have found ways to adapt, build and innovate.

According to the magazine, Desaru Coast offers the global audience a beach escape experience with their range of international hotels, golf-courses, and cruises through the Sedili Wetlands.

It also highlighted the upcoming opening of the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal which will offer increased transit options for Singapore and Indonesia.

According to Desaru Coast Destination Resort’s Managing Director, Roslina Arbak, they were honoured to be recognised by a renowned publication and were proud to be representing both Johor and Malaysia.

“This is an outstanding achievement for a team only two years in operations, and after what has been and continues to be a challenging time for the industry.

“With this notable feather in our cap, we look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world once travel resumes,” Roslina said.

Nestled against 17 kilometres of pristine beachfront, Desaru Coast is also the home to world class hotels including Asia’s first, One and Only Desaru Coast, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast.

Desaru Coast also has two world class golf courses and is home to the region’s largest adventure waterpark.

Other places that are in the Top 100 list also include the Portuguese town of Arouca (home to the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge) and the continent of Antarctica (it will experience a rare total solar eclipse in December).

To view the Time Magazine full list of the World’s Greatest Places of 2021, please click here.

-the malay mail.

https://desarucoast.com/en