Marriott to open 3 more properties in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Marriott International Inc is continuing to strengthen its presence in Malaysia with three more property projects in the pipeline for this year.
Area vice-president (Singapore, Malaysia and Maldives) Rivero Delgado said the Covid-19 pandemic had not stopped the hotel operator from adapting, innovating, or expanding its business.
“In a year unlike any other, our ability to remain nimble has been crucial as we navigate through an unprecedented time in history. We are driven to continually anticipate our customers’ changing needs with new brands, new global locations and new guest experiences,” he said.
In line with its global expansion strategy, Delgado said Marriott opened the first Courtyard by Marriott brand hotel in Penang last year, with the 199room hotel marking the brand’s debut in Malaysia.
He said the Fairfield by Marriott Kuala Lumpur Jalan Pahang, Four Points by Sheraton Desaru, and Lone Pine Penang were scheduled to open in the fourth quarter.
“We have also recently signed an agreement with IOI Properties (Group Bhd) to launch the Palm Garden Hotel Putrajaya, which will be the first Tribute Portfolio brand hotel in Malaysia.”
Marriott International is expected to open 100 properties in the Asia Pacific this year after adding 75 properties to its portfolio last year.
“This speaks volumes about the company’s optimism towards the return of travel,” he said.
Delgado said there was a lot of uncertainty arising due to the Covid-19 pandemic and, hence, the hotelier had to review and adjust its business model to adapt to the shift in market demands.
“People will want options that are closer to home and more affordable, with health and safety being the main concerns. Our expansion plans in Malaysia are mapped out in anticipation of these needs.”
On the hotel’s food and beverage business (F&B), Delgado said the pandemic had spurred a boom in food delivery, with Marriott seeing an increased uptake in food delivery demand.
Hence, Marriott hotels have pivoted to embrace new and elevated experiences for takeaway and delivery services and this can be seen with the region-wide collaboration with GrabFood.
“This collaboration is Marriott International’s first extensive integration with the Grab platform and Grab’s most comprehensive agreement with a hospitality group to date, offering customers a world of premium dining at their fingertips,” he said.