Wyndham Hotel Group has announced plans to expand its Ramada brand in Malaysia with the signing of a franchise agreement with Mah Sing Group for a 322-key property in Johor Bahru.
Ramada Encore Meridin Johor Bahru is scheduled to open in 2017 less than a kilometre from Legoland Malaysia, a popular international family theme park. It will feature studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and, upon opening, will join two other Ramada properties currently operating in the Malaysian cities of Kuala Lumpur and Melaka.
The new hotel will be located within the Meridin Hotel Suites complex in Medini, a township development that will become a central business district in the newly created southern economic zone of Iskandar in Johor Bahru. Iskandar is expected to encompass an area approximately three times the size of Singapore and provide tourism, education, business and healthcare services, contributing to the rapid growth of Johor Bahru.
“We’re continuously looking for opportunities to expand our renowned brands across the Asia Pacific region in growing cities like Johor Bahru, which is fast becoming the country’s second largest city,” said Barry Robinson, Wyndham Hotel Group’s president and managing director, Southeast Asia and Pacific Rim. “Working with respected partners in the region like Mah Sing Group significantly helps us grow our presence in key markets where demand is on the rise,” Mr Robinson added.
Ramada Encore Meridin will be operated by leading hotel management company Topotels and will feature an on-site restaurant, a state-of-the art gymnasium, a fitness course with a yoga deck, a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a business centre with Wi-Fi and 24-hour security. The hotel’s location will also put guests within a 45-minute drive to Singapore.
Ng Chai Yong, CEO of Mah Sing Group said, “We are very pleased with the opportunity to work together with an internationally established hotel company such as Wyndham Hotel Group. We believe that this partnership is a step in the right direction for our complex development.”
“The Ramada name, known by travellers for its value, comfortable accommodations and selection of global offerings, coupled with the hotel’s strategic location, will provide a touch of esteem to the property and the development,” added Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Leong Hoy Kum, managing director of Mah Sing Group.
The Ramada brand, which has a global portfolio of over 830 properties in approximately 60 countries, is experiencing tremendous growth throughout the Asia Pacific region. Wyndham Hotel Group recently announced plans to add two Ramada properties in Broome, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand, this year; eight in China, set to open by the end of 2017; and 17 in South Korea, scheduled to open by 2018.
In Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotel Group currently has more than 60 hotels open and operating under its Ramada, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Days Inn®, TRYP by Wyndham® and Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham® brands. More than 60 properties are currently under development in the region.
