NEWS RELEASE Immediate Release Malaysia to Rise as the Preferred Destination for Indian MICE Market Destination Resorts and Hotels offers personalized experience for delegates Mumbai, 12 September 2013 With its rapid growth of world-class convention centres and experiences of hosting large international events, topped with rich cultural heritage and premier tourist attractions, Malaysia is rising to become the preferred top-of-mind destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) events in the South East Asian region. To achieve this objective is Destination Resorts and Hotels (DRH), the catalyst for continued development of premier and integrated destination resorts in Malaysia. Established by the government s investment arm, DRH is tasked to invest, develop and manage its leisure and tourism portfolio to elevate Malaysia s tourism landscape globally. DRH will be meeting top global players and business travel buyers at the Incentive, Business Travel & Meeting Expo (IBTM) that will be held in Mumbai, India from 12 to 14 September 2013. Malaysia has distinctive advantages to offer to Indian travelers as we share many similarities such as culture, traditions, lifestyle and cuisine due to strong influence of the Indian community in Malaysia. As India is becoming an important market for Malaysia s MICE industry, we are excited to welcome the Indian MICE market to experience a home away from home hospitality here with the harmonious integration of accommodation, attractions and activities at our destinations, said Nadziruddin Basri, Managing Director of DRH. DRH current key portfolio focuses on developments in Johor, the southern state of Peninsula Malaysia as well as on the magical island of Langkawi. One of the DRH s key development to elevate the MICE industry in Malaysia is Desaru Coast, the region s first luxury integrated destination. Located in eastern coastline of Johor, Desaru Coast is easily accessible by land, sea or air via the Senai International Airport in Johor, or the Changi International Airport in Singapore. It spans across 3,900 acres along a 17-kilometre beachfront facing the magnificent South China Sea. Desaru Coast is being developed in three phases, with Phase 1 expected to open in 2015. This multi-billion dollar destination resort will boast a state-of-the-art MICE venue, the Desaru Convention Centre that can accommodate up to 1,000 pax per event. Equipped with a range of premium facilities including pre-function areas, VIP lounges and meeting rooms within a beautifully landscaped courtyard, the convention centre is built with the participants gratification in mind. Complete with an experienced and dedicated MICE servicing crew-on-site, it guarantees that both MICE organizers and participants will be delightfully impressed, leaving with cherished memories of every event held at Desaru Convention Centre.
The next most unique proposition of the Desaru Convention Centre is its strategic location, right in the heart of Desaru Coast. Nestled between two world-class accommodations; Sheraton Desaru Resort and Plantation Hotel, and conveniently integrated with a landscaped retail and lifestyle village, The Riverwalk and two water theme parks; Ocean Quest and Ocean Splash, it presents a convenient and valuable proposition to the delegates. Desaru Coast also offers premium accommodations for MICE travelers at two other world-class resorts, the Aman Country Club and Aman Villas and Datai Desaru. Besides that, golf enthusiasts will get the chance to teeoff at the Els Club Malaysia, the prestigious lifestyle golf club founded by professional golfer Ernie Els. Comprising two championship golf courses; an international championship 27-hole course designed by Ernie Els and an 18-hole course designed by Vijay Singh, both courses offer full clubhouse facilities and are managed by Troon Golf, the world acclaimed luxury resort golf facility management company. Also in Johor state, DRH has formed a strategic partnership with world-renowned Shangri-La Group, to operate the first international hotel brand in Nusajaya; Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour. Specially catered for MICE delegates, Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour boasts five multi-function meeting and event rooms including a banquet hall with the capacity to cater up to 600 guests. It features the Traders signature facilities including a skybar lounge located on the rooftop overlooking the stunning Straits of Johor, three swimming pools, along with a spa and gym. In addition, it is fully equipped with a contemporary business centre, pre-function area and VIP room to cater to local and international business and MICE travelers. Delegates at Traders Hotel will have a great selection of retail, leisure, F&B and entertainment outlets at the adjoining lifestyle retail complex, Little Red Cube. Besides the array of retail and cuisine options ranging from Northern Indian and Japanese to Taiwanese and local Malaysian fare at Lat s Place, Little Red Cube is also home to an family indoor theme park featuring Sanrio s Hello Kitty Town and Little Big Club with household characters such as Barney, Thomas and Friends and Bob The Builder, ideal for delegates accompanying families. To the north of Peninsular Malaysia, DRH s other investment includes the premier eco-tourism destination, Teluk Datai in Langkawi. Situated amidst centuries-old lush natural rainforest, Teluk Datai s masterplan comprises the development of luxury resorts, beach and cliff-top villas, including its existing award-winning The Datai Langkawi. The Datai Langkawi promises subtle elegance with best-in-class services and amenities including an 18-hole golf course that is currently being upgraded into a world-class course designed Ernie Els that promises the finest golfing experience in the world. - END - For more information on Destination Resorts and Hotels (DRH) and its developments, please visit http://www.drh.com.my
Destination Resorts and Hotels (DRH) at IBTM in Mumbai from 12 14 September 2013 DRH s representatives will be present at booth xx and will be pleased to attend to any enquiries. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact: Lau Yin May Destination Resorts and Hotels Email: communications@drh.com.my Note to Editors: Further information on Destination Resorts and Hotels (DRH) and Its Developments About Destination Resorts and Hotels (DRH) Destination Resorts and Hotels Sdn Bhd ( DRH ) is a strategic owner and developer of world class premier destinations. Established by the Malaysian Government s investment arm, Khazanah Nasional Berhad ( Khazanah ), DRH is a catalyst for the continued development of Malaysia s luxury leisure and tourism sector by providing relevant expertise focused on investment, development, management and oversight of worldclass premier resorts, hotels and attractions. Its current key investment portfolio comprises of Desaru Coast, the region s first integrated luxury destination located at Johor s Desaru coastline, Little Red Cube and Traders Hotel at the luxury waterfront of Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya along with Teluk Datai, Langkawi, a luxury eco-tourism destination surrounded by ancient rainforest and breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea, including the award-winning The Datai Langkawi. Working with world renowned and reputable partners that are the best in the industry, DRH is set to expand domestically and internationally as a premier luxury hotel, resort and residences investment, development and management company. For more information on DRH and its developments, please visit www.drh.com.my.
About Desaru Coast, Desaru, Johor A development spanning over 3,900 acres along a 17-kilometer beachfront, Desaru Coast promises an array of luxury resorts, hotels and golf residences, complemented with differentiated leisure and entertainment offerings to include designer golf courses, lifestyle retail village, theme parks, multi-purpose convention centre and a hospitality, tourism and culinary institution. The development of Desaru Coast will be carried out in three phases, with the first phase targeted to complete by 2015. Phase 1 of the integrated destination Desaru Coast offers four luxury resorts and hotels, premier golf residences, complemented with a retail village, convention centre, two designer golf courses and theme parks One of the key developments in Desaru Coast comprise of a 6-star luxury resort, the Aman Country Club and Aman Villas via a strategic partnership with Amanresorts International Pte Ltd. Situated along the pristine beachfront, the Aman Country Club and Villas promises a high-end exquisite yet intimate experience with a combination of club suites and villas. Another luxury resort that promises a premium experience is Datai Desaru Resort, which is inspired by the 5-star award-winning The Datai, Langkawi. Nestled on a hilltop, its intimately designed suites and villas are envisioned as a majestic getaway for discerning guests. Situated on the east side of Desaru Coast, Sheraton Desaru Resort and Convention Centre has direct frontage of the pristine beachfront offering a breathtaking view of the South China Sea. This internationally established 5- star resort will boast signature F&B outlets overlooking cascading pools across the corniche to the splendor of the sea. The convention centre is purposefully integrated with the Sheraton Desaru Resort to ease mobility and accessibility of the guests and participants. It is a multi-purpose venue suitable to cater for a variety of events such as corporate functions, seminars, management meetings, as well as private social gatherings for example wedding receptions and birthday celebrations. The banquet area and exhibition space are equipped with
world-class facilities and tools, complemented with meeting rooms, VIP lounges and pre-function areas, topped with exceptional services by an experienced MICE servicing team to accommodate up to 1,000 delegates. Sheraton Desaru Resort and Convention Centre, a 5-star beach front resort that is integrated with a multipurpose convention centre that is located in the heart of Desaru Coast Adjacent to Sheraton Desaru Resort and Convention Centre is the Plantation Hotel, which is designed in harmony with nature to emphasize on the balance as well as development of its natural surroundings. First of its kind, the hotel will offer rooms with a panel looking directly into the marine pool of the adjacent Ocean Quest. Plantation Hotel, harmoniously integrated with the adjacent marine park
Located at the heart of Desaru Coast is The Riverwalk, a waterfront landscaped retail and lifestyle village that integrates two experiential theme parks, Sheraton Desaru Resort and Convention Centre as well as Plantation Hotel. Bringing to life the ambience of canal-side cities such as Venice, Italy and San Antonio, USA, The Riverwalk plays host to signature retail and dining outlets and entertainment venues sprawling at the side of the river that runs through the village. Also located at The Riverwalk is the Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts School at Desaru Coast that aims to cultivate and enrich the hospitality industry of Malaysia. Collaboration with one of the most successful and reputable private education institutions in the country, Taylor s University, the facility will boast a world-class teaching faculty offering internationally accredited programmes to groom and build a talent pool of professionals in the hospitality industry worldwide. Artiste impression of the Hospitality, Tourism, Culinary Art School in Desaru Coast The Riverwalk is also an entry way to two water theme parks Ocean Quest and Ocean Splash. Both operated by Themed Attractions, Ocean Quest is a marine park that offers immersive experiences with educational and interactive activities, while the water park, Ocean Splash, offers a unique mix of water attractions and features the largest salt water wave pool in Asia. The two experiential water theme parks will create a fun, learning and memorable experience for all travelers. In addition, Desaru Coast boasts a revitalized and refreshed public beachfront that will encourage patronage of both locals and tourists alike.
Ocean Quest and Ocean Splash Asia s latest attractions that offers an immersive and interactive experience Desaru Coast is also poised to change the landscape of golf tourism in Malaysia, offering two championship golf courses designed by distinguished golfers, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh. Golf enthusiasts will have the opportunity to challenge their game on The Els Club (Coast Course), an Ernie Els designed 27-hole championship golf course with 3 distinctive 9-hole courses that offer amazing beach and sea views. The Els Club (Valley Course), designed by Vijay Singh, provides an alternative challenge for golf enthusiasts. The golf courses will be managed by an international golf management company, Troon Golf, the world acclaimed luxury resort golf facility manager at a level unsurpassed in the golf industry. Both golf courses are destined to become the destination of choice for golf aficionados. There will also be prime golf residences located adjacent to the golf courses that offer a spectacular 360 view of the surroundings. Developed by UEM Land Holdings Berhad, the exclusive residential development will include bungalows, semi-detached, super link houses and service apartments.
About Little Red Cube, Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya Strategically located at the south-western tip of Peninsular Malaysia adjacent to Singapore, Nusajaya is Asia s newest regional city, and also the largest fully integrated urban development in South East Asia. It is easily accessible via a 20-minute drive from the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link and 25 minutes away from the Senai International Airport. As part of the luxurious waterfront development of Puteri Harbour in Nusajaya, Little Red Cube is a quay-side lifestyle retail and family entertainment complex built on a 4.2 acre harbourfront land and houses the Traders Hotel and the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park, complemented with a premium mix of retail, entertainment and F&B outlets including fine dining restaurants and alfresco cafés. The Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park is Asia s first indoor theme park which offers a series of unique experiences, such as the Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, lovable characters from The Little Big Club, such as Bob the Builder, Barney and Friends, Angelina Ballerina, Pingu the Penguin and Thomas and Friends. LAT s Place, the first ever family themed restaurant has recently opened its doors to diners offering an animated dining experience inspired by the popular local cartoonist; Lat. Little Red Cube is a convenient 10-minute away from LEGOLAND Malaysia Theme Park and the upcoming LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Water Park, while the Johor Premium Outlet is just a short drive away. Little Red Cube, a quay-side lifestyle and retail complex as part of the luxurious waterfront development of Puteri Harbour in Nusajaya, Johor
About Traders Hotel, Puteri Harbour, Johor In partnership with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, the Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour is part of the luxurious waterfront development of Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya. The 283-room 4-star business hotel caters to local and international business, MICE as well as leisure travelers. Built on top of a quay-side lifestyle and retail complex, Traders Hotel is surrounded with a breathtaking view, overlooking the marina and the Straits of Johor. The Traders Hotel boasts five multi-function meeting and event rooms including a banquet hall with the capacity to cater up to 600 guests. In addition, it is fully equipped with a contemporary business centre, pre-function area and VIP room, F&B outlets, including a skybar lounge located on the rooftop overlooking the stunning harbour, three swimming pools, along with a spa and gym. It is located adjacent to the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park that offers an indoor theme park featuring Hello Kitty Town, Little Big Club with lovable characters such as Barney, Thomas and Friends, Bob the Builder, Pingu the Penguin and Angelina Ballerina, and LAT s Place. The Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour is the third hotel of the Traders Hotel chain in Malaysia. Sky Bar & Restaurant in Traders Hotel, Puteri Harbour overlooking the stunning Straits of Johor
About Teluk Datai, Langkawi, Kedah Located to the north-west of Langkawi Island, set amidst centuries-old rainforest, sparkling limestone outcrops and serene beaches, is Teluk Datai. Aimed to be a premier eco-tourism destination, the Teluk Datai master plan includes the development of 6-star and 5-star luxury resorts and villas, cliff-top bungalows, golf-view and seaview bungalows as well as 5-star condominiums and homes overlooking the Andaman Sea. DRH portfolio in Langkawi includes The Datai, an award-winning 5-star resort hotel that was also recently awarded World's Best Luxury Island Resort at the 2012 World Luxury Hotel Awards and TripAdvisor s 2012 Travelers Choice Award. It offers world-class amenities, luxurious spas and boasts its own peaceful stretch of white sandy beaches overlooking the stunning waters of the Andaman Sea. Steeped in centuries old vegetation and limestone landscape, Teluk Datai s The Datai is the destination of choice for romantic getaways and a luxurious retreat The adjacent 18-hole golf course, which is also part of the master development plan at Teluk Datai, is currently undergoing an upgrade by distinguished golfer, Ernie Els. Upon its completion in Q4 2013, it will be the first course that forms The Els Club Malaysia, offering the finest golfing experience nestled amongst towering tropical trees and will be the perfect retreat for avid golfers.