Higher international tourist arrivals to contribute towards improved hotel occupancy rates
PETALING JAYA: The sustained recovery in the business and leisure tourism markets in Malaysia, on the back of improving global economic conditions, augurs well for the local hotel and resort operators.
Industry observers told StarBiz in general, the number of international tourist arrivals in Malaysia was set to grow further, and local hotel and resort operators were well-positioned to benefit from this favourable trend.
Latest data from the Tourism Ministry showed that international tourist arrivals between January and September this year grew to 16.18 million from 15.38 million in the same period last year.
The number of international tourist arrivals for the whole of 2010 is expected to touch 24 million, up from 23.65 million in 2009.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation recently said the increasing government support and rising promotional activities would continue to boost international tourist arrivals in Malaysia.
The international body, which listed Malaysia among the top 10 tourist destinations across the globe for 2009, projected international tourist arrivals in the country to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of around 8% between 2011 and 2013.
Providing further impetus to the Malaysian tourism market is the growing number of domestic travellers or interstate tourists.
"Such encouraging trend will contribute to improved hotel occupancy rates in the country going forward," an analyst said.
Statistics from the Malaysian Association of Hotels showed that the overall hotel occupancy rate for the nine months to September this year stood at 62%.
That's a slight improvement from the average 60% for the same period last year, but still below the average of 65% for the first nine months of 2008, before the effects of the global financial crisis were felt in Malaysia.
"With improved business and consumer sentiments following the recovery of the global economy, it won't be surprising to see local hotel and resort operators chart strengthening operating performance over the medium term," the analyst said, pointing to the encouraging results of Shangri-La Hotels (M) Bhd as an example.
Shangri-La is among the few hotel and resort operators listed on Bursa Malaysia.
Announcing its financial results on Tuesday, the company said its net profit for the third quarter ended Sept 30 grew to RM26.7mil on group revenue of RM111.95mil, compared with a net profit of RM15.89mil on group revenue of RM93.06mil in the previous corresponding period.
In its statement, Shangri-La attributed its stronger financial performance to extensive renovations to the guestrooms and facilities at both its Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Golden Sands Resort late last year and better operating performances of its Rasa Ria Resort in Sabah and Golden Sands Resort in Penang, as a result of good improvements in both occupancy and average room rates.
"On the whole, market conditions for the company as well as the industry have only gotten better; and that will be reflected in the results of the company and ultimately, its share price," an analyst said.
Shangri-La's share price has been rising steadily since the start of the year. From RM1.80 to its closing price at RM2.84 yesterday, the counter made a year-to-date gain of 58%. The average target price for the stock is RM3.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
How Johorean are you?
How well do you know Johor? On facebook there is a quiz that asks several questions to prove how Johorean one is.
And its Jalan Wong Ah Fook is also famous.
One of the brain-teasers posed by the organisers was to name the 10 tourism icons of Johor.
Mind you, as a journalist, I though it would easy and I zealously jotted down 11 of them.
My team was the third to cross the finishing line out of the 10 that took part.
However, later that night we found we were at eighth place.
This was because the challenge was not based on time, but rather on points given for answering questions correctly.
We finished our physical tasks at record time but fared badly when it came to the questions comprising 60 per cent of the total score.
Unfortunately, we only knew this when the winners were announced. All that rushing was to no avail!
It was an eye-opener. We arrived at the finishing line more than five hours earlier compared with the last team to finish. What a shock to learn that last team was the one who won the challenge!
So, just you know, the 10 tourism icons in Johor are:
The Sultan Ibrahim Building on Bukit Timbalan. It is perhaps the most distinctive structure symbolising Johor Baru.
Then there is the Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Museum at Istana Besar. It was commissioned in 1864 by the Father of Modern Johor, Sultan Abu Bakar.
Kota Iskandar, that was named after the late Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar, comes next.
It was formerly known as the Johor State New Administrative Centre. Now it is fondly known as the Jewel of Johor and is the current administrative centre for the state government in Nusajaya.
Tanjung Piai National Park is home to many species of birds and mangrove flora and fauna, while Tanjung Kukup is the world's largest uninhabited mangrove island in the world.
Pulau Rawa is renowned for its beautiful beaches and offshore coral reefs, while Pulau Sibu is a an island of lush tropical rain forest.
Danga Bay or Teluk Danga is often referred to as the vision city of the south for being JB's premier waterfront city and the largest recreational park.
Endau Rompin National Park is one of the remaining large tracts of pristine lowland tropical rainforest.
Gunung Ledang or Mount Ophir is shrouded in mystical legends and folklore.
According to the legend of the Princess of Gunung Ledang, the Sultan of Malacca wanted the princess's hand in marriage and she, not wanting to marry him, demanded that the Sultan present her with seven jars of women's tears, seven trays of mosquitoes' hearts and seven bowls of the blood of the sultan's son.
After he was unable to meet these impossible requests, she fled to the mountain and continues to live in a hidden cave to this day.
Desaru boasts 25km of inviting beaches fringed by palms and casuarinas.
Kluang has the biggest dragon fruit orchard, organic vegetable farm, organic padi field, and pineapple and tea plantation.
To Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Johor Office acting director Nizam Abdul Wahid, thank you, sir for making me more of a Johorean!
I am not a Johorean but have been based in Bandar Baru Uda in Johor Baru for almost five years. I took the quiz and found out I am 98 per cent Johorean.
So, how well do I actually know Johor?
 |
The Johor State New Administrative Centre (above) is also known the Jewel of Johor while Danga Bay (below) is JB’s premier waterfront city. |
I know that it's known as the Southern Getaway of Malaysia, is known for its zapin and kuda kepang dances, and is blessed with beautiful beaches.
But on a recent assignment to Endau-Rompin Johor National Park to cover and participate in Tourism Malaysia-Johor Office's Media-Tourist Agent Eco-Challenge, I realised that what I knew of Johor is just the tip of the iceberg.
It was my first trip to the park, also known as Peta, because of an Orang Asli settlement called Kampung Peta located along the route into the area.
Because there is no proper road into the park, I had to endure a bumpy ride in a four-wheel-drive as it made its way through the pothole-riddled muddy road.
Still, it was lots of fun and an unforgettable experience.
One of the brain-teasers posed by the organisers was to name the 10 tourism icons of Johor.
Mind you, as a journalist, I though it would easy and I zealously jotted down 11 of them.
My team was the third to cross the finishing line out of the 10 that took part.
However, later that night we found we were at eighth place.
This was because the challenge was not based on time, but rather on points given for answering questions correctly.
We finished our physical tasks at record time but fared badly when it came to the questions comprising 60 per cent of the total score.
Unfortunately, we only knew this when the winners were announced. All that rushing was to no avail!
It was an eye-opener. We arrived at the finishing line more than five hours earlier compared with the last team to finish. What a shock to learn that last team was the one who won the challenge!
Though they were slow at the physical tasks, they won because they had all the answers right.
Upon returning to Johor Baru, I surfed the Internet to learn more about the state that I was tested on. I was amazed at how much I didn't know!
So, just you know, the 10 tourism icons in Johor are:
The Sultan Ibrahim Building on Bukit Timbalan. It is perhaps the most distinctive structure symbolising Johor Baru.
Then there is the Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Museum at Istana Besar. It was commissioned in 1864 by the Father of Modern Johor, Sultan Abu Bakar.
Kota Iskandar, that was named after the late Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar, comes next.
It was formerly known as the Johor State New Administrative Centre. Now it is fondly known as the Jewel of Johor and is the current administrative centre for the state government in Nusajaya.
Tanjung Piai National Park is home to many species of birds and mangrove flora and fauna, while Tanjung Kukup is the world's largest uninhabited mangrove island in the world.
Pulau Rawa is renowned for its beautiful beaches and offshore coral reefs, while Pulau Sibu is a an island of lush tropical rain forest.
Danga Bay or Teluk Danga is often referred to as the vision city of the south for being JB's premier waterfront city and the largest recreational park.
Endau Rompin National Park is one of the remaining large tracts of pristine lowland tropical rainforest.
Gunung Ledang or Mount Ophir is shrouded in mystical legends and folklore.
According to the legend of the Princess of Gunung Ledang, the Sultan of Malacca wanted the princess's hand in marriage and she, not wanting to marry him, demanded that the Sultan present her with seven jars of women's tears, seven trays of mosquitoes' hearts and seven bowls of the blood of the sultan's son.
After he was unable to meet these impossible requests, she fled to the mountain and continues to live in a hidden cave to this day.
Desaru boasts 25km of inviting beaches fringed by palms and casuarinas.
Kluang has the biggest dragon fruit orchard, organic vegetable farm, organic padi field, and pineapple and tea plantation.
To Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Johor Office acting director Nizam Abdul Wahid, thank you, sir for making me more of a Johorean!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Hotel Penaga: A unique fusion
HERITAGE conservation and hospitality are about to take a novel turn in George Town's historic enclave in Penang by the end of the year.
This is when owners of a new hotel raise the bar in luxury boutique accomodation with retail and artistic spin-offs.
"We have had a lot of fun over the project in sourcing for materials from all over the region and we will open a shop selling most of these things, in particular mirrors and lights from Indonesia, reconstructed antique furniture from China, and contemporary art works from the region," Hotel Penaga Sdn Bhd director Angela Hijjas told Business Times in Penang.
Angela said she and Hijjas will also provide a link to others interested in restoring old buildings for materials like tube line decorations, wall tiles and second-hand timber.
"With all the experience we have garnered over the last two years, we can virtually be a one-stop shop for people trying to source appropriate materials and fittings," she added.
The project, when completed, will boast a spa, a restaurant, a bar and garden.
"Officially we are three-star but this is mainly because we do not have many outlets and lack the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhbitions facilities," Angela said
"Our rooms in terms of size and finish, however, will be equal to anything provided by the five-star hotels, and service will also be the highest priority." Angela said although Hotel Penaga cannot market itself as a five-star hotel, its owners will position it as a luxury boutique hotel "at the doorstep of the old city, where a fusion of heritage and cultures, art and green buildings merge."
This is when owners of a new hotel raise the bar in luxury boutique accomodation with retail and artistic spin-offs.The RM15 million job involved the puchase of 15 pre-war terraced houses and shophouses, and restore them into Hotel Penaga.
The hotel is slated for opening by the middle of December.
It is set to see its owners, international architect Hijjas Kasturi and his wife Angela offering a residency programme for artists, and a shop selling most of the materials, fixtures and furniture found in the hotel.
"We have had a lot of fun over the project in sourcing for materials from all over the region and we will open a shop selling most of these things, in particular mirrors and lights from Indonesia, reconstructed antique furniture from China, and contemporary art works from the region," Hotel Penaga Sdn Bhd director Angela Hijjas told Business Times in Penang.
Angela said she and Hijjas will also provide a link to others interested in restoring old buildings for materials like tube line decorations, wall tiles and second-hand timber.
"With all the experience we have garnered over the last two years, we can virtually be a one-stop shop for people trying to source appropriate materials and fittings," she added.
The project, when completed, will boast a spa, a restaurant, a bar and garden.
"Officially we are three-star but this is mainly because we do not have many outlets and lack the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhbitions facilities," Angela said
"Our rooms in terms of size and finish, however, will be equal to anything provided by the five-star hotels, and service will also be the highest priority." Angela said although Hotel Penaga cannot market itself as a five-star hotel, its owners will position it as a luxury boutique hotel "at the doorstep of the old city, where a fusion of heritage and cultures, art and green buildings merge."With Singapore as it primary target market, Angela says the hotel is banking on the fact that there are currently 70 flights a week into Penang from the island republic.
"Singaporeans are in the free, independent travellers (FIT) category, who make their own arrangements without the need for an intermediary, especially as Penang is so familiar even if they have never visited the island before.
"Most come for the food, but they also expect to find an interesting place to stay and they may well economise by flying on a budget airline, but accomodation is something they may want to splurge on a bit," she added.
Angela added that the company is looking to acquire more buildings in George Town, but contended that it is not easy.
"Many are held in multiple names or by family trusts and although they may be decrepit, they are not on the market.
"We would like to extend our role within the MICE industry, as there is a great shortage of venues with an old-town heritage character," she added.
Singling out the recently-restored Suffolk House by reknowned architect Laurence Loh, as one such venue, she pointed out that there is still demand for more.
"So we are on the lookout but with no luck so far. Even through we only have 50 rooms to sell, having an affiliated venue would be beneficial in broadening our appeal," Angela added.
Habib Jewels gears to open more hotels
HOMEGROWN jeweller Habib Jewels Sdn Bhd, which recently ventured into its first hotel business in Kota Baru, is ready to open more hotels locally and abroad.
Habib Holding general manager Abdul Razak Abdul Kadir said the company is looking at Kuala Lumpur, Penang and even overseas if there are opportunities.
The hotel, which had its soft opening on August 31, is offering a special promotion for travellers during the Hari Raya period with the superior room at RM130 and deluxe room at RM150.
Abdul Razak said Habib had bought one-third of a row of shophouses in the centre of town in Jalan Maju and spent more than RM12 million to renovate the building into a 32-room hotel.
He said the hotel will also house a Habib Jewel outlet and a jewel factory, which has already started operations with 60 workers.
"We are looking to October for the official opening simultaneously with the Habib Jewel outlet, which is expected to be ready by the end of this month," he said.
Abdul Razak said the Kota Baru Habib Hotel, which has 26 superior and six deluxe rooms, has been branded as a boutique budget hotel targeted at business and local travellers.
On choosing Kota Baru as its first hotel, Abdul Razak - who has about 20 years in the hotel industry - said the company did a study two years ago and found that there was a market for rooms in the one- to three-star hotel category in the town.
He said Habib Hotel currently has a staff of 18, but plans to increase this to 28.
Habib Holding general manager Abdul Razak Abdul Kadir said the company is looking at Kuala Lumpur, Penang and even overseas if there are opportunities."We started moving away from our core business last year when we opened an Ar-Rahn outlet in Ampang, Selangor.
"We see the hotel business as a property investment which pays good returns if managed properly.
"The other reason is that we have at least eight senior executives in the company with vast experience in the hotel sector and we can rely on their expertise," he said when met at the Habib Hotel in Kota Baru yesterday.
The hotel, which had its soft opening on August 31, is offering a special promotion for travellers during the Hari Raya period with the superior room at RM130 and deluxe room at RM150.
Abdul Razak said Habib had bought one-third of a row of shophouses in the centre of town in Jalan Maju and spent more than RM12 million to renovate the building into a 32-room hotel.
He said the hotel will also house a Habib Jewel outlet and a jewel factory, which has already started operations with 60 workers.
"We are looking to October for the official opening simultaneously with the Habib Jewel outlet, which is expected to be ready by the end of this month," he said.
Abdul Razak said the Kota Baru Habib Hotel, which has 26 superior and six deluxe rooms, has been branded as a boutique budget hotel targeted at business and local travellers.
On choosing Kota Baru as its first hotel, Abdul Razak - who has about 20 years in the hotel industry - said the company did a study two years ago and found that there was a market for rooms in the one- to three-star hotel category in the town.
He said Habib Hotel currently has a staff of 18, but plans to increase this to 28.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
En route to HK listing
Listing of Kosmopolito, a unit of Far East Consortium International, to include five Malaysian hotels, sources say.
Hong Kong-based Far East Consortium International Ltd (FEC) plans to include all five Malaysian hotels in a planned listing of its unit on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, sources say.
Collectively, they made a pre-tax profit of HK$55.03 million (RM22.74 million) on revenue of HK$237.23 million (RM98.04 million) for the year to March 31 2010, according to FEC's latest annual report.
On June 30, FEC submitted an application to list Kosmopolito Hotels International Ltd on the main board. FEC's deputy chairman and chief excutive officer is Tan Sri David Chiu Tat-cheong.
According to the listing request documents, FEC, which now wholly-owns Kosmopolito, plans to maintain over 50 per cent equity in the company once the spin-off is completed.
Kosmopolito is described as a developer, owner and operator of value to upscale and boutique hotels in Asia with a strong presence in Hong Kong and Malaysia and a primary focus on expansion in China.
It is also involved in hotel investment, operation, management and development. It now owns and operates seven hotels in Hong Kong.
The listing will help FEC raise funds to support organic growth and acquisitions and separate the business of property development from hotel investment, operation and management.
Sources also said the listing is due to take place in the last quarter of 2010.
FEC's chief financial officer Bill Mok declined to speak to Business Times, pending the company's planned listing.
In 2008, it was reported that FEC was planning on a real estate investment trust (REIT) listing that would include the Malaysian properties. However, this did not happen.
The same year, it announced that it was delaying a planned REIT in Hong Kong, comprising seven hotels, to raise HK$4 billion (RM1.65 billion).
As at March 2010, FEC operates a total of seven hotels in Hong Kong, two hotels in China and five hotels in Malaysia with a combined total of over 3,600 rooms. The five Malaysian hotels have a total of 1,407 rooms.
The group also has eight hotels in various stages of development, including five in Hong Kong, two in China and one in Singapore, representing an additional 2,752 rooms that will bring its total number of hotel rooms to 6,356 rooms by 2013.
Hong Kong-based Far East Consortium International Ltd (FEC) plans to include all five Malaysian hotels in a planned listing of its unit on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, sources say.It is understood that the Malaysian hotels have a combined value of about RM600 million. They are Dorsett Regency KL, Grand Dorsett Subang, Grand Dorsett Labuan, Dorsett Johor and Maytower Hotel.
On June 30, FEC submitted an application to list Kosmopolito Hotels International Ltd on the main board. FEC's deputy chairman and chief excutive officer is Tan Sri David Chiu Tat-cheong.
According to the listing request documents, FEC, which now wholly-owns Kosmopolito, plans to maintain over 50 per cent equity in the company once the spin-off is completed.
Kosmopolito is described as a developer, owner and operator of value to upscale and boutique hotels in Asia with a strong presence in Hong Kong and Malaysia and a primary focus on expansion in China.
It is also involved in hotel investment, operation, management and development. It now owns and operates seven hotels in Hong Kong.
The listing will help FEC raise funds to support organic growth and acquisitions and separate the business of property development from hotel investment, operation and management.
Sources also said the listing is due to take place in the last quarter of 2010.
FEC's chief financial officer Bill Mok declined to speak to Business Times, pending the company's planned listing.
In 2008, it was reported that FEC was planning on a real estate investment trust (REIT) listing that would include the Malaysian properties. However, this did not happen.
The same year, it announced that it was delaying a planned REIT in Hong Kong, comprising seven hotels, to raise HK$4 billion (RM1.65 billion).
As at March 2010, FEC operates a total of seven hotels in Hong Kong, two hotels in China and five hotels in Malaysia with a combined total of over 3,600 rooms. The five Malaysian hotels have a total of 1,407 rooms.
The group also has eight hotels in various stages of development, including five in Hong Kong, two in China and one in Singapore, representing an additional 2,752 rooms that will bring its total number of hotel rooms to 6,356 rooms by 2013.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Business hotel to open in Klang
KLANG: An 18-floor deluxe business hotel will open on Oct 10 in Jalan Langat, Bandar Bukit Tinggi, here.
Premiere is WCT Land Sdn Bhd’s — a wholly-owned subsidiary of WCT Bhd — first foray into the hotel industry.
The RM75 million hotel will feature 250 rooms including suites and a pillarless meeting space of 1,689sq metres for meetings, conferences and weddings to accommodate up to 1,500 guests.
Premiere is positioned to attract corporate customers and leisure travellers looking for an affordable alternative without compromising on service or quality, said Eddie Tan, director of BBT Hotel Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of WCT Bhd and an investment holding company that invests in hotels.
“All rooms will be adequately equipped for the business needs of the hotel guests,” he said.
He said Premiere’s location at the commercial hub of Klang would appeal to one to appeal to residents of the nearby neighbourhood as well as the corporate and individual clients in North Port, Port Klang, Shah Alam and Subang Jaya.
The hotel has non-smoking rooms and facilities to cater for individuals with special needs. All rooms are equipped with 32-inch LCD televisions with a selection of channels, mini bars, IDD telephone, in-room safes, spacious desks, and tea and coffee-making amenities. Broadband cable and wireless Internet access are available in all guest rooms and common areas
The executive floor features a private lounge with a dedicated concierge service and complimentary refreshments.
The hotel will also offer guests a host of facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness centre, a spa and two restaurants serving Chinese, local and continental delights.
Premiere is WCT Land Sdn Bhd’s — a wholly-owned subsidiary of WCT Bhd — first foray into the hotel industry.
The RM75 million hotel will feature 250 rooms including suites and a pillarless meeting space of 1,689sq metres for meetings, conferences and weddings to accommodate up to 1,500 guests.
Premiere is positioned to attract corporate customers and leisure travellers looking for an affordable alternative without compromising on service or quality, said Eddie Tan, director of BBT Hotel Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of WCT Bhd and an investment holding company that invests in hotels.
“All rooms will be adequately equipped for the business needs of the hotel guests,” he said.
He said Premiere’s location at the commercial hub of Klang would appeal to one to appeal to residents of the nearby neighbourhood as well as the corporate and individual clients in North Port, Port Klang, Shah Alam and Subang Jaya.
The hotel has non-smoking rooms and facilities to cater for individuals with special needs. All rooms are equipped with 32-inch LCD televisions with a selection of channels, mini bars, IDD telephone, in-room safes, spacious desks, and tea and coffee-making amenities. Broadband cable and wireless Internet access are available in all guest rooms and common areas
The executive floor features a private lounge with a dedicated concierge service and complimentary refreshments.
The hotel will also offer guests a host of facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness centre, a spa and two restaurants serving Chinese, local and continental delights.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Baron Group to invest RM20m in Langkawi
The Baron Group, with five budget hotels in this tourist haven, is to invest RM20 million to build 300 rooms to meet growing demand for hotel rooms.
Managing Director Zailina Mohd Zain said 200 rooms will be built in Kuah and 100 in Pantai Cenang. The group has a chain of three-star hotels and chalets in Kuah and Pantai Cenang, with a combined room capacity of 400.
The group's latest resort, de Baron Resort, near Pekan Rabu Complex in Kuah, which commenced operations in December last year, has 137 rooms.
Zailina told Bernama Langkawi often faced room shortage during festive seasons, school holidays and when international events are staged, hence the decision to build more rooms.Currently, Langkawi has a cumulative 8,000 rooms from hotels, resorts, chalets and lodging houses, an additional 800 rooms from last year.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Kedah Chapter chairman Pishol Ishak said some 2.4 million local and foreign tourists are expected to visit Langkawi this year.
A total of 2.37 million tourists came to Langkawi last year.
-- Bernama
Managing Director Zailina Mohd Zain said 200 rooms will be built in Kuah and 100 in Pantai Cenang. The group has a chain of three-star hotels and chalets in Kuah and Pantai Cenang, with a combined room capacity of 400. The group's latest resort, de Baron Resort, near Pekan Rabu Complex in Kuah, which commenced operations in December last year, has 137 rooms.
Zailina told Bernama Langkawi often faced room shortage during festive seasons, school holidays and when international events are staged, hence the decision to build more rooms.Currently, Langkawi has a cumulative 8,000 rooms from hotels, resorts, chalets and lodging houses, an additional 800 rooms from last year.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Kedah Chapter chairman Pishol Ishak said some 2.4 million local and foreign tourists are expected to visit Langkawi this year.
A total of 2.37 million tourists came to Langkawi last year.
-- Bernama
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