Genting Malaysia’s new theme park, Genting SkyWorlds, will finally soft-open on February 8, following several delays since 2019.
Lee Thiam Kit, head of business operations and strategies with Genting Malaysia, said in a press statement that the attraction’s opening would support the tourism sector and the economy with the creation of over 1,000 jobs, as well as “put Malaysia and Pahang on the world tourism map”.
Built across 10.5ha of land at an elevation of 1,829m above sea level, Genting SkyWorlds offers nine movie- and adventure-inspired ‘worlds’, incorporating original intellectual properties, as well as movie-themed rides and attractions.
A 20 per cent discount on ticket prices is offered during the soft-opening phase. However, some attractions will not be available to guests.
Greg Pearn, vice president, head – theme park operations, Resorts World Genting, acknowledged that opening a theme park during the pandemic has been a challenge. “While every effort has been made to ensure our full offerings are available, a small selection of attractions require a little more time to be completed, something the team is working hard to achieve,” he said.
Universal Holiday’s founder and CEO, Zahira Tahir, said the theme park would make it easier to promote Malaysia to the Asian and Middle Eastern markets, as this is a key attraction for families visiting Malaysia.
She added: “It would also increase the length of stay of tourists. When the theme park was closed prior to the pandemic, our clients from India and the Middle East made only day trips to Genting. Earlier on, when the outdoor theme park was opened, they used to stay for one or two nights in Resorts World Genting.”
Adam Kamal, head of procurement & domestic market at Ice Holidays, said the published rates were comparable with other major theme parks in the country. However, no agent rates are offered. To sell the theme park to the domestic market, a mark-up will be needed, but that will make the rates higher than what are published online, according to Adam.
Genting Malaysia is anticipating direct online bookings from the domestic market. It has also developed an app which provides a comprehensive guide to Genting SkyWorlds, with real-time information. The app enables guests to navigate and experience the park virtually prior to arrival, giving a head-start on what to do, where to go and how to get there. Among other features, guests will be able to check wait times for rides, attractions and shows; receive promotional offers and discount vouchers; discover dining, shopping, games, and the theme park’s advanced Photo+ service.
