New Theme Parks in Iskandar Malaysia

New Theme Parks in Iskandar Malaysia

Iskandar Malaysia IRDA CEO Iswan said recently on 8 Nov that the authority is in the progress of seeking foreign investment from Europe Theme Park and North America Theme Park players to have their businesses setup in Iskandar Malaysia. In order to balance the development at Iskandar Malaysia area, new theme park location need to be and will be located at Mersing, Desaru or Kulai.

Iswan replied after attended to Iskandar eco-tourism submit. New theme park can be setup at area outside of Iskandar Malaysia, example like Mersing because if too many theme parks located in same location, it is inappropriate in businesses context and strategy. We will make sure transport connectivity within these theme parks accessible easily and well connected.

Iskandar IRDA CEO Iswan also noted that the new theme parks targeting to adults customers given that currently Legoland and Sandrio Hello Kitty theme park already cater and targeted customers of ages from 3 years old to 11 years old. Therefore the IRDA hopes that the new theme parks to attract customers of different range of ages.

Iswan doesn’t disclose the theme parks they are negotiated with. In the current stage, Iskandar Malaysia already has Legoland from Denmark, Sandrio Hello Kitty from Japan, and the Angry Bird theme park from Finland which will be operated next year May at JBCC, Iskandar Flagship A Johor Bahru.

There do have newspaper release previously stated that Six Flag, which headquarter in America New York plan to have their first Asia theme park foray in Iskandar area. In the near future, we can expect that Iskandar Malaysia as a new Special Economic Zone in Malaysia with Johor State government dedication to transform and attract foreign direct investment to establish their businesses present here, and its strategic location next to rich and advanced country Singapore just separated by a causeway, Iskandar Malaysia will become brilliant and vibrant city in international standing. The model of Hong Kong-Shenzhen and Macau-Zhuhai will find its similarity at Singapore - Iskandar Malaysia.

Legoland Theme Park

Sanrio Hello Kitty Theme Park

Sanrio Hello Kitty Theme Park

Tourism Industry

Tourism Industry

Tourism is a key driver to development and a major creator of jobs across national and regional economies, including spurring the growth of related sectors, such as retailing, hotel and resort operations, food manufacturing, construction and services. Tourism also is the direct foreign currency earner and contributor.

Service industry is identified as the fastest growing industry over the next 20 years in Iskandar Malaysia. Service industry is expected to contribute from 50% in 2005 to 57% in 2025 of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Within service industry, tourism industry Gross Domestic Product GDP is expected to grow from 8% in 2005 to 12% in 2025 with average growth of 9.6% per annum and job creation of 16,340 jobs. Most of the sub-sectors create significant job opportunities, offering high value job opportunities such as hotel managers, food and beverage (F&B) service staff, tour managers and theme park managers.

Capitalising on global tourism trends, budget airlines and budget hotels mushrooming, and Malaysia’s tourism advantages, the government and private sector have jointly collaborated to accelerate the further development of Iskandar Malaysia’s tourism sector. Tourism Iskandar Malaysia focuses and reinforces the unique local characteristics and heritage features, and to preserve as well as enhance its natural environment for eco-tourism and medical tourism.

Seven areas have been identified by Iskandar Malaysia tourism:-

1.       Theme Parks and Family Entertainment Centres

Malaysia first indoor family theme park, Sanrio Hello Kitty theme park and Legoland theme park, the Asia first Legoland theme park invested and completed at 2013. Both theme parks have received break record of tourists arrival since its operation especially on the weekend and holiday seasons.

2.       History, Heritage, Arts and Culture

Johor government has taken integrated approach to develop and promote Johor’s rich history and culture. The iconic Sultan Ibrahim Building at Bukit Timbalan will be the focal point. Government also investing to redevelop Johor Bahru City centre into a new vibrant city centre with water canal built.

3.       Eco-tourism and Homestays

Iskandar Malaysia has close to 2,000 hectares of national parks, forest reserves and wetland. The main promoted site is Ramsar sites of Johor. Ramsar cover wetlands surrounding Sungai Pulai, PulauKukup and Tanjung Piai National Parks. Pulau Kukup is one of the largest uninhabited mangrove islands in the world. Homestays gained popularity amongst international visitors who want to experience local Johorean culture and customs at an affordable price. Eco-tourism is an important tourism for the learning and raise up the environmental protection mindset.

4.       Food, Dining and Shopping Attractions

Malaysia, comprising of 3 major ethnics Malay, Chinese, and India with few minors ethnics has rich of food varieties and famous to the world. Iskandar Malaysia taken advantages of its location near to Singapore, is a popular shopping and dining destination for tourists especially from Singapore. It offers more a more affordable range of goods and services as well as wide variety of culinary selections.

5.       Outdoor activities, Events and Recreational Tourism

There are 15 established golf courses available within Iskandar Malaysia. Johor Motorsport Circuit is available for car and motor racing enthusiasts. There are also events like Johor International Kite Festival, Iskandar Malaysia Rugby Challenge and World Marching Band competition yearly.

6.       Medical Tourism

The medical tourism sector is poised to experience high growth because of the increasing demand for more specialized treatments and sophisticated medical facilities. The new upcoming healthcare medical center in Iskandar Malaysia are Regency Specialist Hospital, Columbia Asia Hospital, AFIAT Healthpark, and development of a wellness township.

7.       MICE and Accommodation

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) in Johor, currently caters largely to the national events market segment, with conference packages offered by city hotels. Persada Johor and Danga Bay Convention Centre are amongst the major purpose-built MICE convention centers. 

Tourism Malaysia

Tourism Malaysia

Tourism Malaysia - Multi Cultures and Customs

Tourism Malaysia - Multi Ethnics Delicacy