When the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the globe, few sectors bore its brunt as deeply as tourism. Malaysia, known for its melting pot of cultures and stunning natural landscapes, experienced a sharp decline in the influx of both local and international tourists.
As a result of the Movement Control Order, Tourism Malaysia estimated losses of RM19.2 billion in receipts from March to May 2020. The devastating effects resulted in local operators shuttering, alarming occupancy rates in hotels, and airlines grappling with grounded flights and spiralling debts.
The situation was so dire that industry bodies such as the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents pleaded with the government to provide more subsidies and aid, particularly in the form of personal tax relief for hotel packages, tours and flights.
Renewed Optimism Led by Domestic Travel
Two years on, the world continues to foray into the new normal. There is, however, renewed optimism for the tourism sector. Last year, Tourism Malaysia reported 10.07 million international tourist arrivals (38 per cent of 2019 pre-pandemic levels), and receipts of RM28.23 billion (32 per cent of 2019 amounts).
While low in comparison, these remain encouraging figures – and it is domestic travel that is leading the way for the sector’s resurgence. The Domestic Tourism Malaysia 2022 report recorded 171.6 million visitors, surging 160.1 per cent year-on-year. For the first quarter of 2023 (1Q23), the Department of Statistics Malaysia reported 48.6 million visitors – an increase of 33.7 per cent from a year ago.
Selangor leads by arrivals and receipts, hosting an average of 5.9 million international arrivals and 10.2 million domestic visitors. At the recent Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) fair, Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Azrul Shah Mohamad said he was confident Selangor would receive some 24 million visitors this year.
This sentiment is not isolated to Selangor alone. Other states, such as Sabah, are equally buoyant. Sabah’s Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin recently commented that the state government expects 2.2 million tourist arrivals, which is expected to generate an income of RM4.1 billion.
Skyline Enterprises’ Vote of Confidence
Further underlining this trajectory of revival is Skyline Enterprises’ (“Skyline”) decision to invest NZ$26 million (about RM74 million) into its newest and most exciting venture in Malaysia – Skyline Luge Kuala Lumpur – in Gamuda Land’s Gamuda Gardens development, an expansive 810-acre township located at Rawang, Selangor.
As one of the world’s most successful international tourism companies, New Zealand-based Skyline’s selection of Selangor as the location for their 8th Luge site is a tremendous vote of confidence for both country and state. When announcing its collaboration with Gamuda Land, Skyline CEO Geoff McDonald cited Malaysia’s immense potential and appeal to both international and local customers, lauding its vibrant diversity, strategic location in the region, and ease of business conduct.
The Luge activity park, to be built on a 30,000-square metre site, will be Skyline’s fourth park in Asia. The others are located in Singapore and South Korea (Busan and Tongyeong). It will feature a 600-metre purpose-built track with themed-landscaping, designed to work with the local terrain and will deliver an exciting ride from the top of a 40-metre elevated hill.
Diversity in Leisure: The Skyline Luge Advantage
Malaysia’s tourism appeal does not lie just in its heritage sites or natural vistas, but in the variety it offers. The introduction of Skyline Luge Kuala Lumpur adds a fresh dimension to this mix. It’s not just another attraction; it’s an experience. An experience that resonates with both the thrill-seeking international traveller as well as the local family looking for a weekend getaway.
Skyline’s commitment to Malaysia goes beyond the imminent opening in Q4 2023. It’s about integrating with Malaysia’s broader vision for tourism, about fostering local employment, and about ensuring that the very landscapes tourists come to see are preserved and celebrated.
Anticipation Builds for Q4 2023
As Q4 2023 draws nearer, the anticipation for Skyline Luge Kuala Lumpur’s grand opening is intensifying. Yet, it poses more than just an inauguration of a new attraction. It symbolises Malaysia’s stride towards regaining its recognition on the global tourism map. As doors open to the Luge tracks, they also open to renewed opportunities, partnerships, and a brighter future for Malaysia’s tourism industry.
