Swissotel Bets on new Development in Genting Highlands Malaysia
Artist impression of the project
By Raini Hamdi, 22 April 2023
Genting Highlands Malaysia – located about 50km from the capital Kuala Lumpur and 1,800m above sea level – has long been dominated by Resorts World Genting which brought casinos, theme parks and shopping malls to the peak. It is the only legal gambling outfit in Malaysia.
A new developer, Highlands ParkCity, said it is “reshaping Genting Highlands” with its upcoming construction of hotels, luxury high-rise apartments, convention centers, retail stores and new forms of entertainment.
The eponymous development spans 1,500 acres, according to a Highlands ParkCity media release. A cornerstone is a 2,000m shopping and tourism street, King’s Park @ Highlands ParkCity, which is being built.
Highlands ParkCity boldly declares the project as “the world’s largest sustainable eco- development.” Investment firm Crowne Estate Malaysia and real estate group Yuk Tung are partners.
According to its website, Highlands ParkCity has consulted experts from all over the globe to come up with 12 sustainable trends that shape its future. These include measures such as ensuring that amenities and most services are within a 15-minute walking or cycling distance. A circular model of sharing, re-using and restoring is also on the list. Its focus is to limit waste and increase local produce through urban farming.
First Swissotel Flag
Accor will plant the first Swissotel in Malaysia near King’s Park, in a deal signed with Crowne Estate, which is turning a plot of 156,000sqm land into villas, residences and serviced apartments there at a gross development value of $676 million (RM3 billion), according to the media release.
The 300-room Swissotel Genting Highlands will be a 30-story building located at an altitude of 914m, providing uninterrupted views of the mountains and the Genting Highlands summit, which is a 15-minute drive away. Opening in third-quarter 2028, it promises to be “a posh retreat.”
“Our first strategic alliance with Accor is something we are very excited about. It is a huge step forward for Highlands ParkCity and Crowne Estate Malaysia in their goal to make the King’s Park in Genting Highlands into an eco-friendly tourist and destination hub for people all over the world,” said Sean Chen, chief operating officer of Crowne Estate.
Accor’s CEO for South & South-east Asia, Japan, South Korea and India, Garth Simmons, said he is excited to work with Crowne Estate on the project and that the Swissotel will strengthen Accor’s position in Malaysia.
Highlands ParkCity anticipates an influx of 50 million local and international tourists annually to Genting Highlands by 2031, from the current 41 million visitors.
Other attractions include an eco-themed park surrounded by the world’s largest terrarium and a Monopoly World. A passenger drone is also in store to encourage eco-friendly air mobility.
More details will be available soon, it said.
The development could enhance Genting Highlands’ pull as its professed offerings are different from that of Resorts World Genting and the mountain retreat lure offered by smaller brands.
But much hinges on the luxury vision, design, quality and execution of the project and its ability to provide world-class unique experiences to both local and international visitors and would-be residents.