Spa Business issue 2 2012 - Leisure Opportunities

© 2011 DESTINATION RESORTS AND HOTELS SDN BHD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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. The government has
already put in the hospitals, shopping centres,
schools, universities and some housing.
So now it’s time for the fun stuff – the entertainment
and the places to stay.”
Metzger thinks the government’s plans for
the tourism industry will only benefit Malaysia.
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 dedicated
to delivering a long-term tourism plan.
“We are committed to developing integrated
destinations and introducing new, innovative
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.”
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Metzger says the key to ensuring the success
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-energy
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 after 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 centre
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 management
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 developments
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.” ●
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