Malaysia banking on new tourism developments to boost 2018 arrivals

29 Jan 2018 2148 | World Travel News

Chiang Mai - Malaysia is eyeing a total of 33.1 million tourists and RM134 billion receipts for 2018 on the back of new tourism developments expected for this year.

Speaking to a room full of international media attending the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Chiang Mai Exhibition & Convention Centre, Thailand, Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, anticipated that the roll-out of new attractions such as Desaru Coast Malaysia, a premium integrated destination resort, and the 20th Century Fox World Malaysia theme park, would help boost the appeal of the country as a holiday destination.

Desaru Coast is one of Malaysia's first integrated premium resort and the most anticipated new tourism developments with the initial phase to open from June 2018.

It offers a themed water park, known as Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, where visitors can experience the largest wave pool in Southeast Asia, as well as the region's first water coaster. The fully-integrated beach-front destination will encompass globally renowned hotels and resorts namely The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast and Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.

Adding to the vast array of leisure and holistic offerings is Desaru Coast Riverside, a retail and lifestyle village located in the heart of Desaru Coast that delivers an all-inclusive leisure experience, including a range of retail, eateries and entertainment outlets.

The Desaru Coast Conference Centre completes the unique blend of experiences with an equipped multipurpose venue, furnished with meeting and breakout rooms, VIP lounges, a pre-function area, and courtyard to cater to MICE events, corporate functions and entertainment events.

The new attractions complement the country’s existing theme parks and shopping attractions such as Perak’s Movie Animation Park Studios, Lost World of Tambun (the only theme park that operates day and night) and various Premium Outlet malls around the country.