Langkawi Island, 26th December 2018 – The Marella Discovery Cruise ship made its first ever trip to Malaysia yesterday, docking at the Genting Star Cruises port in the tropical paradise of the Andaman Sea next to Resorts World Langkawi. The port has received some 1300 ships this year with approximately 130,000 passengers arriving from ships such as Genting Dream as well as Star Cruises’ ships such as SuperStar Gemini. For the Marella Discovery Cruise, this is the furthest destination yet for the cruise ship where passengers spend a night in Langkawi before departing to Bangkok.
The total passengers for Fly & Cruise packages offered by Marella Cruises are expected to increase the numbers of tourists to Langkawi in the first year of this programme by 7,200. The programme is expected to continue for the upcoming winter holiday in 2019-2020, with summer holidays being held in the Mediterranean. This is an initiative by the Ministry of Tourism to boost the visibility of Malaysia across all European source markets and to increase the country’s position as an international holiday destination.
Reception of guest from the first chartered flight of the TUI Airways at the Lang Merah Complex, Langkawi International Airport
To welcome the first group, a colourful and traditionally dressed ‘Kompang Group’ with ‘Bunga Pahar’ wrapped with Langkawi Minyak Gamat Asli as souvenirs were ready to be presented to the passengers. Receiving the first group of passengers at Langkawi International Airport were Dato’ Mohmed Razip Hasan, Deputy Director General from the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Mable Leong, Admin Manager (Promotions) of Langkawi Development Authority and Azahar Bin Osman, Assistant Vice President of Resorts World Langkawi.
It was a momentous day for Langkawi as over 900 passengers from Birmingham, Gatwick and Manchester flew in via TUI Airlines into the airport before making their way to Marella Cruise Liner at Genting Star Cruise Port located just next to Resorts World Genting.
From Left Dato’ Mohmed Razip Hasan, Deputy Director General from the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Hamrizal Harif, Terminal Manager of Star Cruises; Mr. Azahar Osman, Assistant Vice President of Hotel Operations (Resorts World Langkawi); Captain Chris Dodds of the Marella Discovery Cruise Ship and Maebel Leong, Chief Senior Assistant Manager of LADA (Langkawi Development Authority) during the exchange of plaques.
Dato’ Edward Holloway, Executive Vice President of Leisure & Hospitality, Genting Malaysia Berhad said, “Today marks a momentous day for Langkawi with TUI airline flying into Langkawi and Marella Cruises docking next to Resorts World Langkawi. We are delighted with the Ministry of Tourism and LADA’s initiatives and efforts to bring this European Cruise to Langkawi. With the resort just less than five-minute walk to the cruise liner, we met with TUI’s senior programming team some months ago to explore future programs to include pre and post stays for their passengers. We see great potential in working with Marella Cruises and for more visits in the future for British visitors to enjoy the beautiful island of Langkawi and Malaysia.”
Joanna Morgan, Head of Hotel Operations, Marella Cruises, TUI Group
Joanna Morgan, Head of Hotel Operations of the Marella Cruises, TUI Group said, “Langkawi is a perfect destination for British travellers and we are pleased with the overwhelming response for this package. Our passengers find comfort by coming in by both a British ship and plane to see Malaysia in a British way, so to speak. With Resorts World Langkawi placed just 5 minutes walking distance from the ship, our travellers will find the resort a lovely place to visit as they have friendly staff and it is the perfect place for a walk and drinks in the evening overlooking magnificent views of other islands. In addition, we’ve also arranged a large excursion program for our passengers to visit Langkawi.”
TUI UK LTD and Thomson Cruise chose Langkawi as their homeport for cruising in Southeast Asia
TUI, the biggest travel company in Britain own their own airline and cruise ships including Marella Cruises which sails to over 120 destinations. Marella Discovery is one of their biggest ships with a capacity of 1800 which includes highlights like an outdoor cinema, a rock climbing wall, a mini-golf course, five-storey atrium and an indoor pool. The Fly & Cruise package offered by them has given tourists mainly from the UK and neighbouring countries the opportunity to discover the uniqueness of Langkawi and other tourist destinations in Southeast Asia via direct flights from UK and cruise tourism with the convenience and the luxury of a seamless travel experience.
Resort World Langkawi’s proximity to various attractions also makes it a good option for tourists keen to explore the various facets of Malaysia. Recreational water sports are available within the vicinity of the resort such as ocean kayaking whilst other activities include traditional fishing, a sunset barbecue cruise and mangrove-safari tours. Special events were organised by the resort including spa reflexology, helicopter rides, Geopark day cruises, eagle feeding and a mini bazaar. The port has also seen the arrival of the Genting Dream Cruise for the first time in 28th August 2018 and another five times since then.
The resort also offers trips to some places of interest in Langkawi, namely Pantai Cenang, Langkawi Underwater World, the Cable Car at Gunung Mat Cincang, Mahsuri’s Masoleum (Makam Mahsuri), Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, Buffalo Park and the Field of Burnt Rice (Beras Terbakar).
John and Jane Benjamin, passengers from the Marella Discovery Cruise ship
John and Jane Benjamin, passengers from the Marella Discovery Cruise ship were onboard to celebrate their 25th anniversary shared, “We’ve just arrived today in Langkawi and we love the fact that our cruise ship conveniently placed us at the doorstep of Resorts World Langkawi which has wonderful facilities and a scenic view. We’re also excited to explore the island of Langkawi as Malaysia is a beautiful country.”
Resorts World Langkawi beckons not only with its picturesque surroundings and colonial architecture, the resort also underwent an extensive refurbishment last year. With a total of 211 rooms, the hotel boasts a new infinity pool overlooking the azure waters of the Andaman Sea besides a regular pool, a five-star Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa with Balinese masseuses, meeting rooms and a grand Ballroom. Visitors can whet their appetite on a diverse selection of Asian and international succulent dishes with a fantastic seaview at the Seagull Coffee House, enjoy cocktails and live music at the Lobby Lounge or dine on sizzling specialities at the boardwalk while enjoying a view of the legendary Pregnant Maiden Island. Resorts World Genting is conveniently located only 25 minutes’ drive from the airport some 15km away.
For more information, visit www.rwgenting.com or call 03 – 6101 1118.
