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(From left to right: Pauleni Tsai, Assistant Managing Director, Elica Sdn Bhd, Dato Bobby Ting, Director, Elica Equity Sdn Bhd, Patrick Finn, Vice President, Development, South East Asia & Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Emma Yap, Senior Manager, Development, South East Asia & Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts) – Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to introduce its voco hotel brand in Malaysia. The company has announced a partnership with Malaysian real estate developer Elica Equity Sdn Bhd to construct the 321-room voco Kuching. The hotel is slated to open in 2026 as part of a 12-story mixed-use development.
The voco Kuching, IHG’s first hotel in Sarawak, is a redevelopment of the independent Century Hotel. It will be part of IHG’s voco brand, which includes 77 properties globally and an additional 80 in the pipeline.
Patrick Finn, Vice President of Development for South East Asia & Korea at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Elica Equity. He stated that the new hotel will contribute to the economies of Kuching and Sarawak.
The upcoming project is part of IHG’s broader expansion plan in Malaysia, which includes introducing luxury and lifestyle brands Regent and Kimpton.
Dato Bobby Ting, Director of Elica Equity, expressed pride in bringing the first voco hotel to Malaysia. He hopes the hotel will set a new standard for future voco properties in the country.
The voco Kuching is located 15 minutes from the city center and five minutes from the Kuching International Airport. The hotel will feature a swimming pool, an all-day dining café, a lounge, a fitness center, and over 2,400 square meters of meeting spaces. The hotel aims to provide comfort and luxury, enhancing the travel experience for visitors exploring Sarawak.
Kuching is gaining popularity as a tourist destination due to its rich culture, biodiversity, and expanding infrastructure. The city is expected to welcome four million tourists this year, matching 2019 levels.
Currently, IHG operates ten hotels in Malaysia across five brands and plans to debut three new brands, including voco hotels, Regent, and Kimpton.
