IPOH - once the world capital of tin mining, is now poised to etch another world-acclaimed recognition when its only tourism resort - The Haven recently signed a management deal with German-based Tui Group - the world's biggest tourism operator.
The TUI Group was represented by its hospitality chain division - The TUI Blue chief executive officer Artur Gerber while the Haven was represented by its cordial chief executive officer Peter Chan.
Ipoh Lord Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin @ Md Daud witnessed the event.
Malaysia - German Chamber of Commerce executive director Jan Noether outlined the impressive credentials of the TUI Group, which stands for Tourism Union International.
As of last year, TUI had the highest market capitalization of any tour operator in the world, exceeding USD 3 billion (RM13.08 billion), and serves 180 destinations worldwide including Spain, Shanghai, Croatia and Costa Rica with 1,600 associate travel agencies.
TUI owns or manages over 400 hotels worldwide with over 200,000 beds in 30 nations and it operates five European airliners with a fleet of 130 aircraft.
TUI also owns a flotilla of 16 cruise ships., employing 67,000 tourism specialists globally.
Others present were TUI Blue chief financial officer Jano Martin, TUI Blue - head of operations (Asia) Alex Lam and Tui Blue (Asia) managing director Huilian Du.
A beaming Rumaizi said that Perak through Ipoh, is already the top destination for domestic tourists, finishing fourth after Kuching, Kuantan and Johor Bahru.
Recording 7.50 million tourist arrivals last year, Rumaizi, who is locally known as Mr Tourism, wants to showcase the state capital as a top inbound destination for Asia, not just in Malaysia or Southeast Asia.
The capturing of international brands such as TUI and Marriot, is a step in the right direction, said Rumaizi, who added that the state has the saleable elements of eco-tourism, exotic accommodation such as The Haven and gastronomic delights to position itself as a top tourism destination.
Gerber agreed with the assertion that by opening up its first presence in Malaysia, TUI Blue can also leverage its fleet of aircraft and cruise ships to promote Ipoh to its clientele, particularly the German outbound market.
Germany is among the top outbound destinations for tourism in Europe and despite signs of recession, Gerber is confident that tourism is one area which can grow.
"Last year was a record year for the TUI group," said Gerber.
But before the market could open up in Perak, Gerber stressed the importance of branding Ipoh's strengths first.
"We now have the product (The Haven), we now need to conduct more promotions and marketing to lure more tourists over," said Gerber.
Chan is the indomitable force behind the skyscraper - The Haven, who despite protests from the real estate community, went ahead to construct a resort amidst limestone hills and largely in the middle of nowhere in Tambun.
But the resort with 150 suite rooms, has grown from strength to strength, and the rebranding of it with the tie-up with the TUI Blue, marks another chapter in Chan's unrelenting vision for the property he helped build here.
Chan expects TUI to brand the Haven well enough to boost its occupancy rates and to tap the food and beverage delights, which the Perakians are proud of. - October 3, 2024.
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