Best Western Continues Expansion in Malaysia
Opening a Marina Island Hotel in Pangkor in 2010
OCTOBER 29, 2009 - Best Western has signed on its third property in Malaysia, the newly built 170 rooms-hotel to be opened in 2010. Situated on one of Malaysia's premier manmade islands in the state of Perak, it is the chain's 158th hotel and signals Best Western's continued growth throughout the Asian region.
The new property joins the Best Western Kinabalu Daya Hotel and Best Western Premier Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the chain's first property in Malaysia at 560 rooms.
'This Marina Island Pangkor hotel project has huge potential for both the business and leisure sectors. Nearby Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia are important sources of visitors, while increasing disposable income in Malaysia will open opportunities for both outbound and domestic tourism' said Best Western Vice President Operations - Asia Glenn de Souza.
On the coast of Teluk Muruh, opposite Pangkor Island and Pangkor Laut, Marina Island Pangkor is a dynamic mix of residential, commercial, leisure and entertainment elements. The development component includes Waterfront shopping complex, international jetty, 3500 pax convention centre, marina yacht club and a theme park, recreational clubs, medical tourism areas, and spa.
Hotel offers business and leisure services and facilities, meeting rooms, International restaurants, spa and fitness centre, food and beverage outlets and a business centre as well as access to the marina complex.
'Business communities are under served in Pangkor and Lumut. Most of the accommodations are either resort style or are basic apartments only. In this respect, we hope Best Western hotel will fill this needs.', said Best Western Area Developer, BWI Hotels Sdn.Bhd - Managing Director, Mr. Naresh Mohan.
'It will be operated as serviced suites, targeting long term business and holidays. We expect to achieve the first year operations with 50% and to gradually grow to 80% in the next 12 months', said Mr. Mohan.
'Our vision is making Best Western a prominent hospitality brand in Malaysia. We are aiming for 10 hotels within three years, two of which will open in 2010, one being a Best Western Premier in Kota Kinabalu to compliment our existing Best Western Kinabalu Daya Hotel.'
Other properties slated to be open in the following years will be located in Penang, Johor, and Melacca. The projects in Johor are now under construction which will be completed by 2011 & 2012 respectively.
'Malaysia has successfully marketed itself as a great value for money destination. Arrivals to Malaysia is maintaining itself over 2008 where we had massive growth to cross over 20 million visitors. With the global economies recovering slowly coupled with an aggressive tourism Malaysia promotions we feel confident this industry will continue its robust growth that it has experienced over the years.' noted Mr De Souza.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
