The casino in neighboring Singapore and the recent opening of Hong Kong Disneyland are sure to offer fierce competition, as Genting’s visitors are Singaporean and Chinese.

In 2004, the resort recorded 17.4 million visitors, not including day trips. Of the 537,000 Chinese tourists who visited Malaysia that year, 400,000 decided to spend the majority of their trip in Genting, officials said. Genting officials have expressed optimism for tourists to maintain their appeal and dismiss the upcoming competition, a feat so far accomplished with the rise of Middle Eastern tourists in recent years.

“It is very beautiful, and I am very happy that we decided to come here,” said 42-year-old Saudi Karima Mohammad. Mr. Mohammad, who arrived with his husband and two daughters, said he didn’t care that the resort had one of the largest casinos in the area. “It doesn’t matter because I have so much work to do,” she said, “and I didn’t even notice the casino.”

Another visitor, Dirk Cornelius Euis from South Africa, made an hour-long trip to the Hilltop Resort to enjoy late-night coffee with his friends. “This trip is worth it,” said the 31-year-old engineer. “There are not many other places to sip coffee on the top of the hill and then drive down to your comfort in bed the same day.” – Sapa-dpa.슬롯사이트 추천