Following recent bilateral talks between Singapore and Malaysia, it has been reported that connectivity via sea between Singapore and Johor will be improved. In 2013, Malaysia recorded an arrival of 13,178,774 Singaporean visitors, which represented 51.2% of its total source markets. With two existing causeways linking the countries, and ongoing construction for railways linking Singapore to Johor Barhu and Kuala Lumpur due for completion after 2020, commute via sea is not the most popular choice for travelers at present. Both governments are seeking to change this by creating demand through increasing supply. Currently, only two daily ferry services run between Changi Ferry Terminal and Tanjung Belungkor (Desaru, Johor) on weekdays and four on weekends; this frequency will be increased following the bilateral talks. Since 2012, Destination Resorts & Hotels (DRH) has rolled out aggressive plans to develop the Desaru coastline. Current hotel developments in the pipeline include Aman Country Club and Villa, Datai Desaru and a 350-key Westin Desaru Resort, among others, all of which are projected to open in 2017.
HVS APAC HOSPITALITY NEWSLETTER.
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