The Thistle Port Dickson Resort, a luxurious beach hideaway and the first Thistle hotel to open outside of the United Kingdom, was today officially launched by the Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Dato� Sri Ng Yen Yen.

With an impressive UK portfolio of 34 hotels, the opening of Thistle Port Dickson Resort marks the first of its properties to be opened in this region. The hotel, located just an hour�s drive south of Kuala Lumpur and a four hour leisurely drive from Singapore is designed to cater for both business and leisure travelers alike.

With over 40 years experience in the hospitality industry, Thistle is thrilled to introduce the brand to Asia. Dean Rossilli, General Manager of the Resort commented: �Port Dickson�s geographical positioning, facilities and accessibility make it the perfect destination for just about anything you have in mind.�

This exciting new hotel offers 251 bedrooms set upon 90 acres of stunning green resort space. The beach hotel boasts an ocean lawn which can accommodate 2,000 guests, a spacious ballroom, two tennis courts, three restaurants, two bars and three outdoor swimming pools including an infinity pool ideally located by the beach, with breathtaking views out over the sea and many more new and upgraded facilities.

In her speech, the Minister of Tourism said, �Well heeled travelers demand better quality, more value for money and greater flexibility in travel experience. In this instance, I must say that for Thistle Port Dickson Resort, you are very blessed indeed to be able to offer most if not all of the market segmentations.�

The hotel, which began operations in early June this year, closed its doors in January to make way for approximately RM20 million in upgrading works.

�We are making a significant investment in this industry. We have found the perfect opportunity and we will not waste this on a cookie cutter approach to hotel management. The Thistle hotels will offer the best in Asian hospitality mixed with elements of the UK Thistle experience, providing something unique for all of our guests,� stressed Paul Poh, Managing Director of GuocoLand Malaysia.

�The beach location and lush green backdrop provide an ideal location for a wide range of interests from watersports to other recreational activities such as SWAT camp training or the eco-park trail. There is no other resort quite like ours in the area and we are thrilled to offer a venue with so many offerings,� added Rossilli.

Positioned on the magnificent Straits of Malacca, 80% of the rooms deliver a breathtaking sea-view of the best 3km �beach� in Port Dickson.

The Thistle Port Dickson Resort embraces the company�s philosophy that finds expression in every aspect of the guest experience, from exceptional MICE facilities to flawlessly delivered service, elegant interiors and innovative culinary concepts that reflect a mix of local and British heritage.

All of these are delivered under Thistle�s signature informal up-market environment of comfort, relaxation and style � yet with all the up to the minute amenities that you would expect of a luxury hotel. Infusing some classic British touches with exceptional Asian hospitality provides travelers, staying for both business and pleasure, with a luxury that this spectacular part of Malaysia deserves.

For more information, visit www.thistle.com.my

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Notes to the Editor:

About Thistle Thistle is part of Guoman Hotel Management (UK) Limited, owned by Guocoland (Malaysia) Berhad, a subsidiary of Hong Leong Group. Thistle Hotels has 34 hotels across the UK, in most of the major cities including 11 in central London � making it London�s largest hotel group in terms of room numbers.

About GuocoLand Malaysia GuocoLand Malaysia, listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia, is a member of the Hong Leong Group. The Company is a major developer of residential and commercial properties in the Kuala Lumpur city centre and various locations within the Klang Valley � from its early township developments to its current portfolio of prime projects like Damansara City in Damansara Heights, Commerce One on Old Klang Road, Emerald Rawang, The Cirrus Cheras, The Nest in Kajang and Changkat Kiapeng in the KL Golden Triangle. Apart from property development, GuocoLand Malaysia is also involved Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) through TOWER REIT which has in its portfolio high quality and yield-accretive commercial real estate. It also owns the Thistle Hotel in Johor Bahru and Thistle Resort in Port Dickson. With over 50 solid years of operations, GuocoLand Malaysia continues to play a key role in the development of the property industry in Malaysia.

For media enquiries, please contact: Hasnina Hafiz Area Director of Marketing Communications Guoman Hotels Malaysia hasnina.hafiz@guoman.com +603 2162 8000

Erica Siu/ Billy Tam Impact Asia, Hong Kong Office erica@impactasia.com/ billy@impactasia.com +852 2521 1498