Sepang Gold Coast (SGC) Sdn Bhd's Golden Palm Tree (GPT) Iconic Resort and Spa is set on luring tourists from Europe and Australia as well as securing more business deals next year, in a move to position itself globally.
GPT general manager Pascal Prigent said the resort in Bagan Lalang, Sepang, was poised to benefit further from upcoming projects along the 22km coast, that featured the Sepang Gold Coast project.
SGC, the developer of the GPT, is also undertaking the RM3 billion project in Sepang, Selangor.
The GPT, is the first phase of the coastal city development. Other projects include the Sea Tropics suite resort and a luxurious high-rise resort condominium.
"The upcoming projects will enhance the position of Malaysia's iconic resort in the global eye, and in the process, attract more tourists, businesses and investments.
"This year, we will concentrate on visiting Asian countries to draw customers and make deals," Prigent told Bernama in an interview.
Prigent expects GPT's revenue next year to increase 10 per cent from the targeted RM35 million in 2011.
He said currently GPT's customers comprised 60 per cent foreigners and 40 per cent locals. The foreign draw is from Taiwan, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia.
"Our customer market segment is 40 per cent Malaysians, 20 per cent Taiwanese, 10 per cent Europeans and Singaporeans respectively, with 8 per cent Australians and the balance from other places," he added.
He was confident of achieving the set target, given the increase in demand among foreign tourists for interesting holiday destinations and the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions market segment that also generated income.
"We have undertaken active strategies to promote the resort since the soft launch in July last year," he said.
GPT's initial total investment of RM300 million has increased to RM338 million.
The 392 palm-thatched villas resort is modelled after "The Palm" in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and managed by Swiss-Belhotel International.
"The GPT chalked up about RM15 million in the first six months of its operations. A grand official opening of the resort is planned for year-end," he said.
Prigent also said over 110,000 tourists have stayed at the GPT, since July 6. To date, more than 90 per cent of the GPT villas have been sold, with locals accounting for 30 per cent.
He said the current occupancy rate stood at 70 per cent and was expected to increase gradually in the second half of the year following intensified marketing efforts. - Bernama
