Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement with Themed Attractions and Resorts, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the investment holding arm of the Government of Malaysia, to open and operate Traders Hotel, Puteri Harbour, Iskandar, Malaysia.

Scheduled to open in 2012, the four-storey 292-room hotel will be located in Nusajaya, one of five flagship zones in Iskandar, and form part of a complex comprising an indoor theme park, a family entertainment centre and a 100,000sq ft (9,290sq m) retail centre. A water transport terminal and three marinas are also planned. Guest rooms at Traders Hotel will be a minimum of 36sq m (387.5sq ft), with a selection of themed rooms. Food and beverage outlets will include an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge, a sky lounge and a bar. Also available will be a 620sq m (6,674sq ft) ballroom, a range of function rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, a health club, and a rooftop garden.

The 60,000sq ft (5,574 sq m) indoor theme park is to feature well known children's characters in three main areas: Hello Kitty Town, showcasing Hello Kitty and friends by Sanrio; the Little Big Club, featuring HIT Entertainment's Thomas and Friends, Barney, Bob the Builder, Pingu and Angelina Ballerina; and a themed family restaurant by local cartoonist, Lat.