JOHOR BARU: The arrival of the Legoland Theme Park in Iskandar Malaysia comes as a disappointment as Legoland is a brand unfamiliar to locals.
Malaysian Tourist Guide Council president Jimmy Leong said after all the hype that had been made over proposed theme parks in Nusajaya, Legoland would not make a huge impact in the region.
“After all the talk about something big coming up in Nusajaya, I am disappointed.
Enchanting: Part of the attractions at Legoland Parks. “Legoland is not a name familiar to people here in terms of a theme park.
“If you mention Legoland to people here, I don’t think many people are familiar with the brand,” he said, adding that industry players had been expecting world theme park icons like Disneyland.
Iskandar Investment Berhad, the investment arm of Iskandar Malaysia signed a deal with the Danish manufacturer of interlocking plastic bricks, Lego Group to set up the Legoland Theme Park on Dec 13.
Leong said that one of the factors against the RM750mil Legoland was its target audience, as it was restricted to children aged between two and 12-years-old.
“That itself means that it will not appeal to a wide target group,” he said.
Leong also pointed out that it would be hard to market Legoland to tourists and entice them to stay for more than a day as Singapore’s Integrated Resorts (IR) had stronger products to offer.
The attractions at the IR include Universal Studios Singapore, a casino and the Marine Life Park, which was expected to be the largest of its kind in the world.
“It covers entertainment for a wide range of people, from children to adults.
“Everyone has something to do at IR whereas Legoland targets a limited age group.
“Legoland cannot be compared to the IR across the causeway,” he said.
Leong also said tourists with only a few days to spend in the region would pick bigger and better-known brand theme parks to visit.
He said the tourism industry players would continue to promote Johor to tourists overseas but admitted it would be a huge challenge to market Legoland.
“We will promote whatever products we have, but the final choice and decision will be made by the tourists,” he said.
Legoland is expected to open to the public in 2013.
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