Hotel celebrates with the best of Malaysia’s ‘muhibah’ spirit
MUSIC, crafts and tradition came together in Kuala Lumpur in celebration of World Tourism Day.
The event at Amari Kuala Lumpur was organised with Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) and National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara).
The activities kicked off with the ceremonial cutting of pulut kuning (yellow glutinous rice).
Served at Malay celebrations, the pulut kuning symbolises thanksgiving and blessings.
This was followed by a traditional and contemporary music performance by Aswara’s Malaysian Fusion Crew comprising sape, erhu, accordion, cajón, rebana, violin, keyboard and acoustic guitar players.
The group is made up of students, alumni and teaching staff who have represented Malaysia at international events.
Meanwhile, booths set up in the lobby featured local crafts and activities, including batik making.
Amari Kuala Lumpur general manager Susan Anthony said hotels played an important role in introducing international visitors to local culture.
“Every guest who walks through our doors gives us an opportunity to share a little piece of Malaysia with them,” she said.
“We embrace our Malaysian culture, muhibah as we call it, and we want our guests to feel and experience this cultural journey each time they visit us.”
She pointed to several Malaysian-inspired elements incorporated into the hotel.
A mangosteen sculpture greets visitors at the entrance, while the reception counter is inspired by a traditional sampan symbolising a shared journey.
The colours surrounding the counter reflect Malaysia’s multicultural population, while the lifts feature songket-inspired designs.
There is also a cultural corner in the lobby where guests can try their hand at traditional games, while the works of Malaysian artists are displayed in the hotel’s guest rooms and public areas.
“They are our way of telling the Malaysian story and taking our guests on a cultural journey each time they stay with us,” Anthony said.
The hotel’s Club TGA cafe and lounge, meanwhile, draws inspiration from communities associated with the Kerinchi and Abdullah Hukum areas near the hotel.
Present at the event were Motac Kuala Lumpur director Mohamad Nawwar Faiq Mohamad Noh, Aswara academic affairs deputy director Assoc Prof Dr Zulkifli Ab Rashid and SP Setia divisional general manager Chan Ching Hiong.
