RM90mil expansion to double Sepang hotel capacity amid tourism growth

 

KUALA LUMPUR: iKHASAS Group has earmarked RM90 million to expand its flagship hotel in Sepang, responding to growing demand from both inbound and outbound travellers. 

According to iKHASAS Sdn Bhd group chief executive officer Tan Chee Kian, the investment in ibis Styles Sepang KLIA will fund the addition of new sports facilities and an expansion of the hotel's room capacity. 

"We have obtained pre-approval for 250 new rooms. By mid-2025 through the end of 2026, we aim to be the largest hotel in Sepang with a total room count of close to 500," he said. 

The resort-style hotel, which opened approximately a year ago, currently offers 229 rooms.

Formerly known as Concorde Inn KLIA, the property is a joint venture between ISY Holdings Sdn Bhd and iKHASAS Group. The partnership was formalised in 2019, with an initial RM55 million investment for redevelopment and rebranding. 

ISY chairman Tan Sri Syed Mohd Yusof Syed Nasir highlighted that since its February 2024 opening, the hotel has consistently maintained a monthly occupancy rate exceeding 80 per cent.

He also noted the hotel's 20 uniquely designed biker rooms, tailored specifically for motorcycle enthusiasts. 

"As a biking enthusiast myself, I believe these specialised rooms, coupled with the hotel's proximity to the PETRONAS MotoGP venue, will appeal to fellow bikers," he said. 

The official launch of ibis Styles Sepang KLIA in February marked a significant milestone in Malaysia's hospitality industry. The event was officiated by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, and attended by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, alongside other esteemed members of the royal family. 

Syed Yusof expressed confidence in the hotel's contribution to Malaysia's tourism sector. 

"This hotel plays a crucial role in the national economy by generating employment opportunities and driving economic activity across various sub-sectors," he said. 

"We are honoured to inaugurate ibis Styles Sepang KLIA in the esteemed presence of the Sultan of Selangor. Our collaboration with Accor underscores our commitment to enhancing hospitality standards in Sepang," he added. 

The hotel is managed by Accor Group, a global hospitality leader operating over 5,700 properties in more than 110 countries. 

Accor's senior vice president of operations for Malaysia and Indonesia, Michel Vivier, shared insights into the group's expansion plans in Malaysia, citing the country's strong market growth. 

"We currently manage 26 properties in Malaysia. Our first opening this year was Ibis Styles Sepang KLIA, and our next hotel, Novotel Johor Bahru, is scheduled to open in about six months. 

"We have seven or eight hotels in the pipeline, set to launch over the next 18 to 24 months. With the rising number of inbound travellers, Malaysia remains a key focus for Accor's growth strategy," he said.

-nst online.