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MALAYSIA’s most anticipated new tourist destination, Desaru Coast, is set to host the KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series from 14 to 16 December 2018. The announcement was made after the Samui Regatta prize-giving ceremony held in Centara Beach Resort, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand. Round 2 of the KTA series will be held in Desaru Coast, Johor, Malaysia with round three in Philippines and further rounds in Myanmar, Australia & Sri Lanka.
According to Phillip Whittaker, Chief Executive Officer – Integrated Themed Parks & Attractions (ITPA) of Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn Bhd said the all-new KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series was introduced by the KTA after the success of running the Youth Olympic Qualifier earlier this year, which brought the two regions together for the first time. The foil racing side of kiting has been growing since 2013, with many international events taking shape around the world.
“The first hydrofoil event of the KTA series joined forces with the Samui Regatta which maintains its prime position in the region, as the finals of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix championship. Kiteboarding is still the world fastest growing watersport and its inclusion into the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, is set to see this trend continue,” he said.
Whittaker also mentioned that kiting is a unique sport in its own right, explosive and dynamic to participate in and a 3 dimensional treat to watch. The sport in its various formats, provides a thrilling experience on land, sea and snow and some of its popular disciplines include freestyle, wave, slalom, big air and speed
“We are excited that Desaru Coast is part of this increasingly popular international event. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase our new destination including our beautiful beachfront which offers favourable conditions for kite surfing, together with more of what Johor has to offer to the world,” he said.
Malaysia itself, as he continued that is a hotpot of cultures, and it will be exciting for the participants to explore components of Johor as well as its surrounding treasures. Desaru Coast itself is a unique leisure offering with its world class waterpark, golf courses and hotels and resorts set alongside 17km of prime beachfront, and we look forward to hosting the contestants and kiteboard fans alike.
“Located in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia. Desaru Coast offers a premium blend of tourism offerings which will not only cater to high caliber kiteboarding competition, but also allow its athletes an endless opportunity for escape,” he added.
The multi-phase development includes one of the world’s largest waterparks – the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, two golf courses under The Els Club umbrella, globally renowned hotels and resorts such as The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast and Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, a retail village and a conference centre. Far from the saturated property and investment environments, the location is perfectly situated in the southern gateway to Malaysia which can be easily accessible by land, ferry and air by both domestic and international travelers.
Meanwhile KTA Event Director Willy Kerr said along with a wide variety of water and beach sports, kiteboarding is common along the shores of Desaru, which will uniquely complement the KTA participants and its activities alike. The event sets Johor as an international prime location with Desaru Coast’s unique and integrated tourist destination. Furthermore, the North East monsoon season is one of the best time for advanced participants to test their skills, pushing them to their limits in challenging speed winds of 20 knots or more.
“KTA is very excited to be partnering with Desaru Coast to bring to Malaysia its first ever KTA international event since its founding in 2009. To open up a brand new location to the kitesurfing world and give the Asian riders another chance and platform to perform on the international stage, fits perfectly with the ethos of KTA. I have no doubt that Desaru coast event will be the highlight of the 2018 tour with many of the riders anticipating a top class event in a top class destination,” he added. [traveltextonline.com]
