i-City To Feature Nickelodeon Characters To Promote Tourism

Property developer, i-City, has entered into a partnership with Nickelodeon South East Asia, under which the former will feature Nickelodeon-themed family characters and entertainment all-year long.Nickelodeon is a leading brand in entertainment well-known to kids and parents of all ages.

i-City Marketing Director Monica Ong said the strategic alliance with Nickelodeon would not only strengthen i-City's positioning as a family leisure night tourism spot in the Klang Valley but will also add a domestic and international dimension in promoting Malaysia as a tourism destination.

"This is going to be an exciting year for i-City. We have lined up US$5 million for international promotional and theme programmes," she told reporters after the briefing on SnoWalk Experience @ i-City -- Enhancing Malaysia As A Tourist Destination.Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen attended the event at the Royal Lake Club here Monday.

i-Bhd Executive Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong, i-City Chief Executive Officer Datuk Eu Hong Chew, Mastercard International Vice-President and Senior Country Manager, Malaysia and Brunei Jim Cheah, Tourism Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng and Tourism Malaysian officials were also present.

Combining its worldwide appeal with i-City signature SnoWalk, Ong said Nickelodeon would create the ultimate experience for kids and families as popular characters like "Dora the Explorer" and "SpongeBob SquarePants" have been scheduled to make special appearances at i-City's key events.

"In conjunction with the launch of the first snowfall experience in South East Asia in Malaysia, i-City would be inviting Nickelodeon cartoon personality Dora the Explorer to hold a "meet and greet" session with kids and families on March 19," she said.

Meanwhile, Dr Ng said her ministry has been promoting i-City globally and this Nickelodeon/i-City tie-up would reinforce the ministry's efforts in promoting i-City as a family leisure destination around the region."My ministry would extend all assistance to this Nickelodeon and i-City's partnership as I am confident that this partnership will further enhance Malaysia as a tourism destination," he said.

Congratulating i-City's initiatives, Ng said the company's innovative approaches in creating firstly the LED lights, and now the SnoWalk attractions, would help the ministry reach out to the 25 million tourists expected to visit Malaysia this year."The SnoWalk is a strong tourism product for visitors, especially from Asean countries, Middle East and also South India," she said.

She also suggested to i-City to consider a 20 per cent discount package for Mykad holders, senior citizens, family packages and frequent family packages to woo more visitors.Currently, the entrance fee is RM20 for MyKad holders.

Asked on how i-City can promote national unity, Dr Ng said: "I would suggest to i-City to promote youth and school tourism by inviting children from all schools to come and experience the snowfall and have a 1Malaysia competition."The SnoWalk is a 50,000 square feet artic edutaiment centre in Shah Alam, with 100 tonnes of ice sculptures, falling snow and LED lights.

i-City is developed by i-City Properties Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of i-Bhd.i-Bhd is listed on the Bursa Malaysia Main Board, in which, Permodalan Nasional Bhd, Malaysia's biggest fund manager, is a major shareholder.

Source = bernama