KOTA KINABALU: A new iconic hotel is set to unveil within the Kota Kinabalu Central Business District as Interland Development Sdn Bhd has signed a hotel management and franchise agreement with Marriott International for its proposed five-star Sheraton Hotel Kota Kinabalu.
Marriott International Hotel Development (Asia Pacific) Vice President, Peter Gassner, said the hotel will adopt rejuvenated facilities and a fresh design direction, from the lobby, restaurants to guestrooms, as it would engage world renowned designers.
“It will be an iconic building and promises refreshing guest experiences, be it for leisure or business travellers,” he said.
Peter added that Kota Kinabalu is a strategic location for the expansion of Sheraton Hotels.
“Kota Kinabalu is a major tourist destination in Malaysia, making it an ideal location to continue expanding the Sheraton Hotel brand in the country,” he said, adding that it marks a significant milestone in Marriott International’s continued growth in Malaysia and South East Asia.
“We look forward to partnering with Interland Development in bringing the Sheraton Hotel brand in this market, given its local expertise and strategic vision for development,” he said.
Interland Development Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Ir Peter Chu said the two parties have been engaging in discussions in the past year and have successfully developed the joint venture partnership.
“I am sure this joint venture will bring along a sizeable tourist attraction and innovative products.
“As you can see, Marriot International is considered the world’s biggest hotel operator as they have put up the biggest networking and hotel chain in every corner and footprint of the world today.
“I strongly believe that our combined strengths in this development will take the quality of entertainment and many aspects of our tourism products to the next level.
“Most important of all, we will build a strong and professional service provider team and cultivate talents together in the area of tourism and hospitality,” he said.
Interland Development is a wholly home-grown corporation in Sabah, led by Tan Sri Datuk Paul Lim, under the TP Group of Companies.
Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel chain which operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world.
With its expansive portfolio of over 30 leading brands encompassing more than 7,200 properties across 134 countries worldwide, its dynamic sales and marketing platform benefits hotel owners with a competitive advantage as well as opportunities to maximise their hotel investments.
Marriott International was represented in the agreement signing by Peter and Asia Pacific Director of Hotel Development, Andree Susilo, while Interland Development was represented by Lim and Chu.
