Guests, check in for a durian feast
The unmistakable and distinctive aroma of one of South-East Asia’s most loved or disliked – depending on personal taste – fruits wafted out from Le Apple Boutique Hotel, as a result of a durian feast.
Apple Vacation group managing director Datuk Koh Yock Heng, who welcomed guest-of-honour Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik as well as VIPs and guests, said Le Apple Boutique was the first hotel in the capital to offer accommodation with a buffet of Musang King durian delivered fresh from an orchard in Raub, Pahang.
The orchard is owned by Datuk Stanley Wong, a consultant of the hotel.
In his speech, Muhammad Bakhtiar joked that “durians and hotels are rarely mentioned in the same breath”, lauding that the unique offering by Le Apple Hotel was “great news for durian lovers”.
Praising the campaign as a valuable contribution to “durio-tourism, ” Muhammad Bakhtiar added that relevant bodies were intending to go big on durian tourism.
He also reminded guests of its potential to contribute to Visit Malaysia 2020 which aims to make the country the destination of choice and exceeding the current figure of over 27 million visitors annually.
“Everyone should embrace the campaign as a symbol of national success, ” he said while congratulating the hotel for not only choosing the Musang King but also for its durian-themed campaign.
“Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in Malaysia and with durian tourism, we expect to see an increase in the number of tourists, especially those from China, Macao, Singapore and Australia, ” he added.
The current Musang King promotion at the 222-room hotel offers patrons an interesting package – accommodation plus all-you-can-eat durian feast, a walk-in durian buffet and durian takeaway.
Published in The Star, 5 Aug 2019
