One of its kind, LEGOLAND Malaysia is the "beacon of tourism" for Malaysia
ISKANDAR PUTERI - Legoland Resort Malaysia has become the beacon of tourism in Malaysia, says Merlin Entertainments chief executive officer Scott O’Neil.
He said it was crucial for both the theme park and Merlin, the parent company to Legoland, to be part of the local community and unique to the country.
“When you come to Malaysia, it is very different from the Legoland in Windsor, or Legoland Tokyo or California, even New York or Florida.
“This is a very Malaysian experience and you should feel very at home here... When you come here, you should feel like you are in Malaysia. The concession stands are something that you will not find in Florida because you should be getting Malaysia’s very own culinary experience, and that’s what you get.
“I love that when I come here I get to see and experience everything that Malaysia has to offer, and to me, that is very special,” he said in an interview during the soft launch of Miniland’s new Amazing Malaysia built-to-scale Lego Models.
O’Neil said with the addition of Amazing Malaysia, visitors would get a one-stop experience of the country’s unique cultural and historical landmarks as the Lego Models would depict the beautiful landscapes, architecture and culture from east to west Malaysia.
Miniland’s Amazing Malaysia structures will use 1.38 million Lego bricks and be an interactive experience with games and animations to discover throughout the area.
“The extension hopes to spark nostalgic memories associated with the iconic local culture and landmarks,” he said.
Miniland’s Amazing Malaysia sneak peek event was held back in June, showcasing an array of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Sabah and Sarawak dancers as part of the entertainment launch to which O’Neil used described Legoland “as the place where inclusion and acceptance, where everyone feels welcomed”.
“If you are coming off the plane, we want this to be your first stop. We hope you stay here for a week but if you don’t you will go to the amazing sights you have seen here.
“This is a unique park and you cannot imitate Legoland Malaysia to anywhere in the world.... And that should be enjoyed,” he said.
Merlin’s attractions include 10 Legoland resort theme parks and hotels, six resort theme parks as well as Sea Life aquariums, Madame Tussauds, Peppa Pig World of Play, the London Eye, and Sydney Tower Eye.
Merlin currently has three resorts in China under development and also plans to expand further across the United States and Asia.
O’Neil also gave his take on reviving tourism in a post-pandemic world.
In a world where many took advantage of time and space, the Covid-19 virus truly thought everyone the need for human touch and relationships.
“We learned a lot out of Covid, and one of the things we learned is that we need each other,” he said.
Merlin, he said, is in 24 countries with employees coming from 197 and it represents what Merlin is all about, diversity and inclusion.
Meanwhile, Legoland's Divisional Director CS Lim said they were bouncing back from the lockdown and ready to provide the best services to ensure its visitors which includes new and engaging rides and activities.
