Kota Kinabalu: Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu celebrated their tree lighting ceremony for the year with the theme “Gleam of Joy”, centred around unity, tradition and nostalgia.
General Manager Suresh Ramasamy said the event was a celebration of cultural harmony, noting that people from many backgrounds live peacefully in Sabah.
Advertisement
“While Raya and Chinese New Year are widely celebrated, Christmas also holds significant importance here. It brings us together with a spirit of unity, joy and kindness,” he said during his opening address at the ceremony.
The grand Christmas tree, standing at 15 feet tall and decorated in red, blue and silver watches over patrons in the lobby of the hotel. Suresh said the display took the committee three days to assemble.
“Preparations for Christmas are an annual tradition for our team, and it is something we look forward to each year.
“The collaborative effort strengthens our teamwork, while the festive spirit also motivates us to keep us going,” he said.
Suresh said this year’s theme focuses on a traditional Christmas, as the hotel intends to continue longstanding traditions, dressing the tree in a classic style that reflects familiar Christmas elements guests would know and recognise.
“While previous years featured different creative themes, this year’s choice was driven by a sense to evoke nostalgia.
“Because the hotel hosts guests from around the world, it is important to create a warm, comforting environment that reminds travellers of home – particularly during the holiday season,” he explained.
He elaborated that the traditional and festive ambience are intended to give guests a “home sweet home” feeling which allows them to experience the Christmas spirit even while away from their home.
In line with the spirit of giving, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu – in collaboration with Bukit Harapan – hosts the Wish Tree Project, where hotel guests are invited to participate by fulfilling Christmas wishes for the children at the home.
Bukit Harapan is a long-standing home in Kota Kinabalu, offering shelter and care for children, individuals with disabilities and those who need a safe environment.
“The children will write down their wishes, which we print unto cards and hang them on the Christmas tree. Guests may select a card and fulfil the child’s wish by purchasing the requested gift.
“For this year, all 40 cards have already been taken by the guests. The gifts will be returned on 21 Dec and on 23 Dec, our team will visit Bukit Harapan to deliver the gifts. We will also bring warm meals to share with the children,” he said.
To complement the season, Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu has also introduced a variety of festive offerings including seasonal dining experiences and a year-end party at the Rooftop. Guests may approach any hotel associates for full details.
Suresh expressed sincere appreciation for everyone’s continued support and looks forward to celebrating together again next year.
Also present at the ceremony were Datuk and Datin Robert Tan and family, Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Sabah Convention Bureau CEO Noredah Othman and representatives from airline partners Jin Air, T’Way, and Air Busan.
