The current spa at Datai Langkawi will be refurbished and will sit alongside a new Shangri-La resort and spa
People’s perception of Malaysia is that it’s underdeveloped and underutilised, but that is the great opportunity. We have all this land, friendly people, natural resources and infrastructure... so now it’s time for the fun stuff
all the natural resources you need, as well as the infrastructure. Te government has already put in the hospitals, shopping cen- tres, schools, universities and some housing. So now it’s time for the fun stuff – the enter- tainment and the places to stay.” Metzger thinks the government’s plans for
the tourism industry will only benefit Malay- sia. He says that creating resorts for people to come and stay will create jobs, stimulate tourism overall and do good things for this developing country. Managing director Basri, is also keen to
point out that Destination Resort is dedi- cated to delivering a long-term tourism plan.
“We are committed to developing integrated destinations and introducing new, innova- tive attractions that offer a unique holiday experience for the whole family,” he says.
“Our portfolio is diverse and will continue to grow as each project unfolds.”
SPA BUSINESS 2 2012 ©Cybertrek 2012
Place managers Metzger says the key to ensuring the suc- cess of each development and the brands within it, is maintaining the personality and standard of each one. While Desaru Coast and Iskandar Malaysia are high-en- ergy destinations aimed at families, Teluk Datai is about relaxation and privacy, and this is reflected in the hotel brands in each location. Whereas the Sheraton Resort and the Plantation Hotel face directly out onto the entertainment offerings at Desaru Coast, in Teluk Datai, the private villas and resort hotels are nestled in the rainforest to offer guests reflection and peacefulness. Metzger sees Destination Resort’s ongoing
role as ‘place managers’. By that, he means they’ll make sure that “no Seven Eleven stores will open in the resorts… it may look less attractive before and aſter you exit the resort, but while you’re inside it, it will be perfect.”
He explains: “If you’re the landowner and
you earn a percentage of rent from each hotel, retail area, restaurant, convention cen- tre and golf course, you have the motivation to keep the resort looking and working right because that’s what’s bringing the money in. If a developer starts farming things off to third parties and gives them a free reign to operate it how they want – which is common – you lose control over standards.” Metzger says, until they find a manage-
ment company that can take over Destination Resorts’ role to the right standards, they will remain in charge. Ever the optimist, Metzger talks about
when (not if) Destination Resort’s devel- opments will be a success. He concludes:
“Malaysia’s got such a lot going for it. It’s the right time, the right place and we’re the right company so this is an exciting time for tourism in the country.” l
Read Spa Business online
spabusiness.com / digital 35
© 2011 DESTINATION RESORTS AND HOTELS SDN BHD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100