FEH positive on Malaysia’s tourism industry

PETALING JAYA (April 11): Singaporean hotel and serviced residences operator Far East Hospitality (FEH) is upbeat about Malaysia’s tourism industry and is poised to take advantage of an anticipated growth in international tourist arrivals to the country, said CEO Arthur Kiong.

“From January to October last year, Malaysia had attracted some 21 million foreign visitors. The country is expected to attract 36 million tourists in 2020 and generate some RM168 billion worth of tourism receipts,” he told TheEdgeProperty.com in an email interview.

“Singapore Airlines also signed a two-year partnership and the first-ever Marketing Collaboration Memorandum with Tourism Malaysia early March this year which aims to promote Malaysia’s tourist spots and likely aid in tourist numbers from European nations,” he said.

“Not only that, Malaysia also has plans to become a tourist-friendly destination for visitors from China by facilitating their travel into the country with the implementation of visa exemption [of up to 15 days from March 1 to Dec 31] and e-visa system [which is for leisure and visiting friends and family only, for a stay of up to 30 days],” added Kiong.

He added that FEH expects more tourists to visit Malaysia given the weakened ringgit. “In 2014, Singaporeans visited Malaysia at an average of four times a year. We are expecting more tourists from Singapore with the recent depreciation.”

FEH will be launching Oasia Suites Kuala Lumpur this month, the first hotel under the Oasia brand outside of Singapore.

Consisting of two blocks, it houses a total of 247 rooms.

Facilities include a kitchenette, washing machine and dryer, and a swimming pool and gym on the 24th floor that overlooks the city and the Kuala Lumpur Tower.

“Another unique feature which Oasia Suites Kuala Lumpur is offering is the dual-key access system. This is an ideal option for groups of business travellers or families as they can stay in one unit that can be divided into two separate but adjoined apartments,” said Kiong.

Situated adjacent to Bukit Nanas, Oasia Suites Kuala Lumpur targets the mid-tier market travellers, families on vacation and business travellers.

“We want to deliver a unique, apartment-style hotel where these guests can stay in a hotel room equipped with apartment-style facilities and which gives them value,” he said.

On the group’s upcoming plans, he said that the group is looking to bring in more hotel brands into Kuala Lumpur as it is the commercial hub of Malaysia.

“Gateways are our main focus areas. We are constantly searching for opportunities and we hope to expand in Malaysia in the next few years,” he added.

Currently, FEH owns more than 10 hotel brands in seven countries – Australia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore.

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