Signing ceremony on April 19, (seated, from left): Sean Chen, COO of Crowne Estate Malaysia and Garth Simmons, CEO of Accor for South, Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea and India.
SINGAPORE (EDGEPROP) - Leading international hospitality group Accor has partnered with investment firm Crowne Estate Malaysia to bring the Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts brand to Malaysia for the first time.
"It is a huge step forward for Highlands ParkCity and Crowne Estate Malaysia in their goal to make the King's Park in Genting Highlands into an eco-friendly tourist and destination hub for people all over the world," says Sean Chen, COO of Crowne Estate, in his opening speech at the signing ceremony on April 19.
Accor's flrst hotel in Malaysia, the Swissôtel Genting Highlands, will be located within Highlands ParkCity, described as "the largest sustainable eco-development". Positioned as a township with a wellness and nature focus, Highlands ParkCity is located 5km below Genting Highlands' peak, a 30-45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
The current phase under development is King's Park, poised to be "the longest street mall in Malaysia", according to the group's website. Situated at an altitude of 3,000 ft, King's Park will feature "state-of-the-art pedestrian street shops spanning over 2,000 m" and is part of an ambitious plan to develop "an outstanding resort" spanning 150 acres. "Visitors from all over the world will be able to enjoy a [wide] variety of events, shows, cultural arts, and delectable cuisine at this development because of its focus on entertainment, international attractions, and eco-tourism," comments Thanesh Jayandren, executive director of Highlands ParkCity.
The upcoming 300-room Swissôtel Genting Highlands will be a cornerstone of King's Park, the current phase under development at Highlands ParkCity (Picture: Crowne Estate Malaysia/Accor)
King's Park is a partnership between Crowne Estate Malaysia and established Malaysian real estate developer Yuk Tung Group and Crowne Estate Malaysia.
A cornerstone of King's Park, the 300-room Swissôtel Genting Highlands is designed as "a posh retreat" against a natural setting. Standing 30 storeys tall, the hotel provides views of the surrounding mountains. The Genting Highlands summit is just a 15-minute drive away.
Targeted to open in 3Q2028, Swissôtel Genting Highlands will offer hospitality services, conference facilities and a grand ballroom for events. There will also be all-day dining options, executive lounges, and bars. Other amenities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, jogging tracks, and a kids' club.
"Genting Highlands is one of the most popular destinations in the country for locals and tourists alike, further strengthening Accor's leading position in Malaysia's hospitality industry," says Garth Simmons, CEO of Accor for South, Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea and India.