FEATURE SINGAPORE/MALAYSIA
capital, Kuala Lumpur, attractions range from the tribal cultures and wildlife adventures of Borneo through the nature reserves and endless beaches of the mainland to the deluxe resorts of the islands. Like Singapore, Malaysia is constantly expanding is attractions and products, adding to an already immense holiday choice from the UK. Together with offering the best of Southeast Asia 'in a nutshell', perhaps the enduring appeal of Singapore and Malaysia is that, like their airports, they are smooth and reliable providers.
What's New
Hotel Fort Canning is a new luxury boutique property in central Singapore. Among
imminent openings are the Park Royal on
Pickering, in the heart of
Little India; the W Sentosa; The Equarius at Resort
World Sentosa and the Dorsett Regency. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort has re-opened after
refurbishment with a new choice of rooms for families and couples.
The refurbished Shangri-La Tanjung
Aru Resort and Spa in Kota Kinabalu has also extended family choice with revamped restaurants and a waterpark. The new Regent Kuala Lumpur and Residences will open in mid-2012. Air Asia X is switching its UK base
Opposite: Pangkor Laut Spa Resort, the only property on spectacular Pangkor Island, Malaysia; Above: Adventures on Sentosa, Singapore
from Stansted to Gatwick from next month (October). Flights are to the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), 20kms from KLIA. The LCCT is to be replaced by a new terminal at KLIA – KLIA2 – from next June.
Tourism Talk
EUNICE YEO area director Singapore Tourist Board “In addition to hotels, the
next few years will see a number of new attractions opening. In 2012 these include The River Safari in Mandai, the world’s first and only river-themed
wildlife park, and Gardens by the Bay, a world -class innovative modern garden complex.
“Also opening
next year is the new International Cruise
Terminal; capable of handling the world’s largest
cruise ships and liners. "Singapore is constantly evolving, so we
have developed Singa-pro, in association with Travel Uni. This free training programme assists agents in obtaining in-depth knowledge to ensure they exceed their clients’ expectations.
ABDUL RAUF ABU HASSAN director UK and Ireland Tourism Malaysia
“It’s all looking very positive. Our first quarter figures showed a healthy increase and we’re now expecting a 5 -7 per cent growth in UK arrivals, to between
450,000 and 500,000, for 2011. “UK demand for holidays in Penang, Langkawi and Borneo continues to be strong and increasing interest is being shown elsewhere across the country. "Our touring botanic ‘Gardens’
packages, launched in conjunction with the Chelsea Flower Show, are doing well and our Friends of Malaysia mega fam trips have already hosted 50 operators and agents this year, with more to come.”
From The Front Line MELISSA TILLING
director, Funway Holidays “We have seen a shift away from last year’s
emphasis on budget breaks to demand this year for quality with higher-category hotels and multi-centre itineraries. One example of an idyllic five-star escape is the Tanjong Jara Resort in Terengganu on Malaysia’s east coast, where clients can enjoy diving and snorkelling, nature treks through the jungle, cycling tours along the coast, cooking classes, batik painting and spa treatments. We are offering stays at the resort, inclusive of return flights, all taxes and fuel surcharges from £1,240pp, with 30 per cent off.”
KERRY TOWERS Asia product and purchasing manager Travel 2
“Our best-selling hotel in Singapore is the Park at Clarke Quay, which ofers superb value for money. However, for the ultimate in luxurious indulgence, I would recommend the Valley Wing at the Shangri-La. “Singapore continues to cater to all
SINGAPORE Top Selling Tips...
• Cool City: Singapore is always buzzing with excitement and there’s always something new to discover EUNICE YEO, Area Director Singapore Tourist Board
• Big Diversity: You are spoiled for choice with the huge variety of different holiday products ABDUL RAUF ABU HASSAN Director UK & Ireland Malaysia Tourist Board
• Let the train take the strain: An excellent way of combining Singapore and Malaysia is by overland rail services PAUL GRAHAM, Independent travel consultant
• Add value: Opt for packages that include complimentary meals, spa treatments, room upgrades and food and drink discounts LESLEY ROLLO, Programme director, Hayes & Jarvis
• Stay flight savvy:Keep an eye on seasonal offers and remember that Air Asia now departs from London Gatwick JONATHAN HART, Travel journalist
www.sellinglonghaul.com • September 2011 47
Selling Tip
Point green-fingered clients to Tourism Malaysia's touring botanic gardens promotion
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