OSK Holdings to convert its Johor property to Holiday Inn brand next year
OSK Holdings Bhd has started its journey to convert its property, Swiss Inn Johor Bahru to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru.
The property development, investment and financial services group has inked a management agreement with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) to convert the hotel starting early next year.
OSK Holdings group managing director, Ong Ju Yan said it made the decision to rebrand Swiss Inn Johor Baru as there is a strong synergy between the design and feel of the property and the brand values of IHG’s fastest-growing brand globally.
“We can’t wait to unveil the little refurbishment touches that we will be incorporating into the hotel in collaboration with IHG and our designers. We look forward to working in partnership with IHG to bring the brand experience to life for our guests in this convenient location in the heart of Johor Bahru,” Ong said in a statement.
Ong said the 203-room hotel supports the growth of the Holiday Inn Express footprint in Malaysia.
The brand is the first choice for the increasing number of travellers seeking a simple and engaging place to rest, he added.
Ong said the hotel is easily accessible within a 30-minute drive of Senai International Airport and is close to the land border with Singapore. It is also near to the upcoming Singapore-Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System (RTS) linking Johor Bahru to Woodlands in Singapore.
With Johor Bahru acting as a central hub for “Iskandar Malaysia”, a southern economic corridor earmarked for significant economic development, its central area hosts a broad range of multinational companies, primarily in the shipping, petrochemical, and manufacturing industries, he said.
Ong said the hotel’s location offers business visitors easy access to the main industrial parks and corporate and government offices, with its proximity to the Persada Johor International Convention Centre making it perfect for MICE delegates attending events.
OSK Holdings, through its unit Swiss-Garden International manages and operates 10 hotels and resorts with an inventory of over 3,100 room in prime locations around Malaysia and in Australia.
Meanwhile, IHG vice president, development for South East Asia and Korea, Serena Lim said the hotel group is delighted to partner with OSK Holdings to expand the Holiday Inn Express brand in Malaysia.
Lim said the brand represents a great value proposition both for consumers and owners in some of the country’s regional cities.
IHG has five hotels operating under three brands in Malaysia – InterContinental, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express.
According to Lim, there are 14 properties in the development pipeline, which are due to open within the next three to five years, including hotels under the group’s Regent and Kimpton brands.
She said IHG looks forward to expanding its presence in Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabulu within the next 12 months.
IHG is also exploring opportunities to grow into other centres in both the peninsula and East Malaysia, such as Ipoh and Kuching, she said.
“Malaysia is an important growth market and we see the mainstream segment as an important part of that growth strategy. As we start seeing recovery from the impact of Covid-19 around the world, mainstream travel is proving the most resilient and where we are seeing occupancy levels re-build the fastest.
“We are confident this hotel will benefit from the brand’s global appeal and the power of the IHG system,” Lim said.
IHG is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, and Candlewood Suites.
The hotel group franchises, leases, manages, or owns nearly 6,000 hotels and 890,000 guest rooms in more than 100 countries, with about 1,900 hotels in its development pipeline.
Source: NST