PENAMPANG: Best Western International Group has 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 here.
ITCC Penampang will be a significant addition to Kota Kinabalus 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 Internationals Vice President of International Operations for Asia & Middle East.
Malaysia is one of Best Western Internationals 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, Glen 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 such as flat-screen TVs and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
The hotel will also offer a wealth of facilities for both business and leisure travellers, 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 ITCCs four-storey retail podium and Grade A office tower and residence.
Best Western Plus at ITCC Penampang is expected to open in 2016.
Sabanilam Enterprise Sdn Bhd Group General Manager Ceasar Mandela Malakun said that ITCC Penampang is a private initiative project listed under the Sabah Development Corridor for the Southern part of Greater Kota Kinabalu.
It is expected to be completed by the end of 2015, he disclosed, adding that the 10.5 acres fully integrated fibre ready development would consist of a four-storey lifestyle mall, fully furnished residential suites, a 16 storey Grade A Office Tower and now Best Western Plus at the hotel block, ballroom and convention centre.
We are confident that Best Western Plus here at the ITCC will serve to fulfill the state government of Sabah’s call, under the able leadership of Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman, to increase room capacity in order to fulfill the urgent need of the tourism industry here in the State especially under the four-and-five-star category, he said in his welcoming address at the signing ceremony yesterday.
According to Ceasar, tourism arrivals into Sabah were approaching the 3 million mark in 2013 as the state is a favored destination for international and national tourists.
We are therefore pleased to move forward with Best Western International, an instant global brand recognised in leisure and hospitality which will give rise to further business opportunities to tap into the strong tourism growth.
We anticipate greater affiliation with the vast network under the Best Western International in operational support, sales, marketing, its guest loyalty program and tourism opportunities. This will promote Sabah and in particular Kota Kinabalu as a competitive destination for the MICE market.
We would thus take this opportunity to work hand in hand with the State Government in complementing its ambition through the ongoing Sabah Convention Centre development to make Sabah the preferred destination in the region for Convention and Conferencing Activities, he said.