TRAVEL

HIS name is well known in the international fashion arena. Malaysian tourism ambassador and shoemaker to the rich and famous, Datuk Jimmy Choo, said he valued sincerity above all else when dealing with people, from family members to business associates.

Choo presenting the World Travel Award 2009 to Nannucci. Looking on is resort director of sales and marketing Peter Donlevy

Guided by this, he said it was important not to look into short-term gains but to work hard continuously.

Penang-born Choo lauded the government’s efforts to promote the country. “I’m proud to be Malaysian and will do as much as possible to tell others about this wonderful place,” he said. “I want to share my experiences and recommendations with the world. Malaysia has a wide array of different experiences to offer, from the cosmopolitan capital of Kuala Lumpur to the lush jungles of Borneo. There’s something for everyone.”

Equally at home in a hawker centre or a fine dining restaurant, Choo admitted to missing Malaysian food when abroad. Currently based in London, he said what he missed most was Penang char kway teow.

On a recent visit to Penang, he introduced the best of Malaysian attractions to a group of United Kingdom Press members.

At the Shangri-la Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Choo presented an award to resort resident manager Christian Nannucci. The resort was the winner of Malaysia’s Leading Spa Resort in the regional finals of the World Travel Awards 2009.

Nannucci said he was ecstatic with the award as it reinforced the resort’s positioning as a preferred brand in Malaysia and the international market.