Brand New Best Western to Rise in Kota Kinabalu
Best Western International has announced the signing of a management contract for a major new upscale hotel and convention center in Malaysia. This week, the hotel group formed a partnership with Sabanilam Enterprise Sdn Bhd for the management of a brand new BEST WESTERN PLUS hotel and conference facility at the ITCC Penampang complex - a 10.5-hectare mixed-use development that is taking shape in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Malaysia's Sabah state.
"ITCC Penampang will be a significant addition to Kota Kinabalu's landscape and economy, and I am delighted that Best Western International has the opportunity to be part of this exciting project," commented Glenn de Souza, Best Western International's Vice President of International Operations for Asia & Middle East.
"Malaysia is one of Best Western International's key growth markets. We see strong potential across the country, and with the onset of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, Kota Kinabalu is expected to become an increasingly significant regional center for trade and tourism, Mr de Souza added.
The new BEST WESTERN PLUS hotel will include 330 upscale guest rooms, ranging from 27 to 49m² and all including comfortable bedding, spacious bathrooms and such modern amenities as flat-screen TVs and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
The hotel will also offer a wealth of facilities for both business and leisure travelers, including restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness center, business center and meeting rooms.
And the management contract will also see Best Western take control of a major new convention center connected to the hotel. This modern facility will include a large ballroom capable of housing 170 tables, and is set to become a new hub for local and regional conferences, corporate events, product launches and weddings.
For the added convenience of guests, the hotel and convention center will be directly connected to the ITCC's four-story retail podium and Grade A office tower and residence.
"We are pleased to move forward on this landmark project with Best Western International – a global hotel brand that will provide instant recognition among both leisure and business travelers," said Ceasar Mandela Malakun, Group General Manager of Sabanilam Enterprise Sdn Bhd.
"ITCC Penampang is an exciting new project and the new BEST WESTERN PLUS hotel will feature practical-yet-contemporary room concepts, inspired furnishings and the very latest facilities and amenities," he added.
Best Western International is currently embarking on a new era of development in Asia Pacific, with modern and stylish hotels being introduced to guests all across the region. Designed for the needs of the
21st Century traveler, these contemporary hotels combine cutting-edge design, state-of-the-art amenities and a proactive service culture.
In the coming years at least ten new hotels are expected to open across the country under the classic BEST WESTERN, upscale BEST WESTERN PLUS and luxury BEST WESTERN PREMIER brands, adding almost 2,000 modern guest rooms and suites.
BEST WESTERN PLUS at ITCC Penampang is expected to open in 2016.
About BWH Hotel Group®
BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 19 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.
*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
Jane Kamolnithi
Marketing & Communications
+66 2 656 1260
BWH Hotels
