SPEECH TEXT BY MINISTER, LICENSING AGREEMENT SIGNING CEREMONY
SPEECH FOR YB DATO' SERI MOHAMED NAZRI BIN ABDUL AZIZMINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE MALAYSIA
LICENSING AGREEMENT SIGNING CEREMONY
THE FIRST IN THE WORLD
MONOPOLY MANSION BY SIROCCO, KUALA LUMPUR
Venue:
Grand Sky Ballroom,
RED by Sirocco, Kuala Lumpur
Menara Dang Wangi, No 3, Jalan Kamunting, 50300 Kuala Lumpur.
1 March 2018
(List of salutations to be confirmed by organizer)
A very good evening to
Yang Berbahagia, Dato' Seth Yap
Chief Executive Officer of M101
YDH. Dato' Sri Mir Khan
YDH. Dato' Sri Raza Khan
Distinguished Guests
Members of the media
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and Salam Sejahtera.
1. I am indeed pleased to be here today with all of you. I remember not too long ago, I was invited by M101 to the grand unveiling of M101 Skywheel Design Suites, an iconic project designed by the world-renowned Studio F. A. Porsche.
2. Here today, I am very glad to witness yet another momentous achievement by M101. M101 has again make our country proud by bringing to Malaysia the very first in the world Monopoly themed hotel, the Monopoly Mansion. Hence, today's licensing agreement signing ceremony between M101 and Hasbro marks a significant milestone for both companies, and for more importantly, our country, Malaysia.
3. As such, I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to M101 on the extension of your Property Tourism initiative with Sirocco Hospitality Group. I am pleased to see that M101 is working to propel Sirocco to be one of Malaysia's most comprehensive hospitality consultancy and advisory group through the same property tourism business strategy. I have been informed that Sirocco is currently managing this hotel, RED by Sirocco, Kuala Lumpur, where we are currently at. And moving forward, Sirocco will also be managing Monopoly Mansion and Planet Hollywood at M101 Skywheel.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
4. According to the Oxford Economics, the travel and tourism industry is one of the world's largest sectors, supporting over 292 million jobs and generating 10.2% of global GDP in 2016. For us here in Malaysia, tourism has remained one of the main contributing factors to the local economy. In 2016, the industry made up 14.8 per cent of the national GDP, marking a 9.4 percent growth from the previous year.
5. Among the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) sectors, the tourism industry is the third largest contributor with a gross national income of RM73.3 billion. In addition, in 2016, the tourism industry has employed 3.2 million people and contributed 22.7% to the total employment.
6. Deloitte's 2018 Travel and hospitality industry outlook reported that global travel industry gross bookings reached USD1.6 trillion in 2017, making it one of the largest and fastest growing sectors in the world. Factoring in indirect economic contributions, travel and tourism now accounts for a staggering 10.2 percent of global GDP.
7. As the market grows, consumers now are getting more sophisticated - aided by the fast-moving technology and social media. And as people become more sophisticated, they became more brand conscious. Especially in metropolitan cities. In this regard, I am very happy to see innovative Malaysian, such as M101, staying ahead of the trend by setting new benchmarks with thematic brand hotels to attract tourists to Malaysia.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. The tourism industry, especially in the hospitality division is becoming more and more competitive. Customers appetite, especially the millennials, are becoming more and more sophisticated in their choices. Further to the quality of service and the value for their money, customers are looking for lifestyle brands that can give them a unique experience.
9. M101's strategic partnerships with brands such as Hasbro to create a new lifestyle experience is the boost the industry needs. Monopoly Mansion will bring to life the childhood dreams of many as guests at the hotel are offered the opportunity to be fully immersed in Monopoly's story.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
10. Nowadays, when it comes to choosing a hotel - it is not only about a good night's sleep. Millennials are looking for a memorable experience influenced by ambience, architecture and photogenic views or objects. Now is the era of selfies, am I right? Not only among the millennials, but amongst the other generations too are placing increasing value on distant experiences and actively seek them when travelling.
11. Located in Bukit Bintang, Monopoly Mansion will no doubt be amongst the first choice for visitors to Malaysia. The Bukit Bintang area has long since been Kuala Lumpur most prominent retail and entertainment belt. Hence, it hardly comes as a surprise when the Malaysia Tourism 2016 reports that the main contributors to tourist receipts were shopping and accommodation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
12. In order to ensure Malaysia remains competitive in the tourism industry and in line with our Visit Malaysia Year campaign in 2020, aptly themed, Enjoy. Travel. Respect. it is my ardent hope that everyone of us shall contribute positively in making our Visit Malaysia Year a resounding success.
13. Before I end, I would like to take this opportunity to say that I am very proud to see the continuous efforts by local entrepreneurs in breaking the norm of the industry and setting new benchmarks.
14. With M101's efforts, we not only look forward to M101 Skywheel, the first in the world iconic landmark designed by Studio F.A. Porsche, but also the first in the world Monopoly Mansion. Congratulations again to Dato Seth Yap and his team at M101.
15. With that, I say thank you.
Kemaskini Terakhir :