GENTING Malaysia recently announced its RM5 billion (US$1.53 billion) Genting Integrated Tourism Plan (GITB) which will see Resorts World Genting undergo a 10-year redevelopment, expansion and refurbishment of its hotels, theme park and other infrastructure.
GITP will be carried out in phases. Phase One is scheduled for completion in 2016 and includes the development of the world’s first Twentieth Century Fox World theme park, valued at RM1 billion.
Phase One may also feature Malaysia’s second Premium Outlet Centre, a project that Genting Malaysia is now discussing with Simon Property Group, the largest retail estate company in the US, according to Lim Kok Thay, chairman and chief executive of the Malaysian hospitality giant. The proposed Premium Outlet Centre is targeted for completion in 2015.
Other projects under Phase One include new hotels and amenities – such as a 10,000-seat show arena and a 1,300-room three-star hotel – as well as the refurbishment, upgrading and modernisation of Genting Grand, Maxims, Resort Hotel, Theme Park Hotel and First World Hotel.
Lim said there would be better hotel facilities to cater to high rollers and enable Resorts World Genting to keep up with competition in Macau.
While no timeline has been advised for phase two’s development, Lim revealed that the project would include a six-star hotel.
Inbound tour operators told TTGmice e-Weekly that the new developments at Resorts World Genting augur well for Malaysia’s MICE industry.
Ally Bhoonee, executive director of World Avenues, said the integrated resort in the highlands is already “big” in the Middle East and the infrastructure enhancements would help the company to also market nearby Kuala Lumpur to high-end Middle Eastern incentive clients.
He said: “Resorts World Genting, being only an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, removes the usual logistical problem attached to transporting large groups of more than 150 people from Kuala Lumpur to other destinations. Resorts World Genting will boost Kuala Lumpur as a MICE and shopping destination.”
Arokia Das, senior manager of Luxury Tours Malaysia, said the future outdoor theme park would give Indian incentive clients further impetus to take their gatherings there.
