Genting investing RM400m to build 20th Century Fox theme park (Update 2)

KUALA LUMPUR: The Genting Group is investing RM400mil to build a 20th Century Fox theme park, featuring 25 movie-based rides and attractions, that will open in 2016.

Genting Malaysia Berhad chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said the partnership with 20th Century Fox would make Resorts World Genting one of the world’s top holiday destinations.

He said the investment on the theme park was part of a RM3bil Resort World Genting refurbishment programme, which includes the construction of an additional 1,300 hotel rooms adjoining the First World Hotel.

Jeffrey Godsick, consumer products president of 20th Century Fox, said: “This theme park marks the launch of our global location based entertainment strategy.”

Genting will close its present outdoor theme park on Sept 1 this year for the construction of the new theme park. Last year, Resorts World Genting received about 20.5 million visitors, and the number is expected to rise in 2016 when the new theme park – with rides and attractions based on movies like Ice Age, Life of Pie, Alien, Predator and Night At The Museum – is opened.

Genting expects minimal impact on its business from the temporary closure.

The memorandum of agreement was signed today between Godsick and Datuk Lee Chong Yan, chief operating officer of Genting Malaysia.