JOHOR BARU: Property developer, KCC Development Group launched its first foray into the hospitality sector with the official opening of the Impiana Hotel Senai, near here recently.
The four-star 172-room facility is the first business-class hotel in Johor's airport city of Senai.
The RM50 million development is expected to meet the demands of the rapidly developing Iskandar Malaysia growth region in southern Johor.
KCC Group executive director Ker Soon Yong said that the new hotel was expected to lead to more new projects in the property developer's hospitality arm.
“The expansion of KCC Group’s portfolio to include a hospitality arm has been planned since four years ago, and Impiana Hotels & Resorts Management Sdn Bhd has been involved right from the start.
"We would like to thank all parties who had worked with us for the past two years, and wish to increase the number of KCC hotels soon," said Ker during the hotel's recent official launch by Johor Tourism, Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong.
Also present at the opening were Impiana Hotels & Resorts Management Sdn Bhd executive chairman Datuk Seri Ismail Farouk Abdullah.
Impiana Hotel Senai is owned by the KCC Development Group, which is based in Muar.
The hotel is operated by Impiana Hotels & Resorts Management Sdn Bhd, which is famous for its award-winning hotels, resorts, private villas and spas in locations such as Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Bali, Phuket, Patong, and Koh Samui.
Impiana Hotels, Resorts and Spas group general manager Stephan Gnagi said that the new hotel marked the Impiana brand's debut in Johor.
“We brought Impiana’s impeccable standards and delightful services to Johor and look forward to introducing our brand here,” said Gnagi.
He said the new hotel would capitalise on Iskandar Malaysia’s robust economic growth, and provided travellers with a business-class hotel located less than a 10 minute drive from the Senai International Airport.
"The southernmost region has continuously been one of the biggest economic contributors to the country, and the demand for quality hospitality services has been increasing in tandem," he said.
Meanwhile, Tee urged hoteliers and those in the tourism industry to send their staff to undergo frequent training to improve their standard of services.
He said the Johor government was prepared to offer courses, of both short-term and long-term, that are tailor made to meet the demands of the industry.
"The rapid development seen in the tourism industry in Johor requires all its practioners to maintain a high standard of hospitality services," said Tee.
Impiana Hotel Senai offers 172 guest and club rooms, six exclusive suites equipped with dedicated workspace, high-speed internet access and modern amenities such as satellite television, electronic safe and mini bar.
Other facilities and amenities include Club Lounge, three food and beverage outlets, Impiana’s signature infinity swimming pool, gymnasium, reflexology treatments at Chill and meeting facilities that can accommodate up to 400 pax.