IHG Hotels & Resorts returns to Kuching with debut of voco hotels in Malaysia

Kuching, Malaysia – 3 December 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces today the debut of its premium brand, voco hotels, in Malaysia with 321-room voco Kuching.

Together with Elica Equity Sdn Bhd, a leading real estate developer in Malaysia, voco Kuching will open in 2026 as part of a 12-storey mixed-use development. This will be IHG’s first hotel in Sarawak and marks its return to Kuching after 16 years.

Redeveloped from independent hotel Century Hotel, voco Kuching will join voco hotels – IHG’s fastest-growing premium brand that is designed to stand out from the crowd with a hotel experience that is consistently thoughtful and distinct. It will join a growing pipeline of 80 voco hotels globally and add to an existing 77 properties already opened.

Patrick Finn, Vice President, Development, South East Asia & Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “We cannot wait to introduce voco hotels to Kuching. The opportunity to collaborate with Dato Bobby and the Elica team to bring the first voco hotel to Malaysia is truly a cause for celebration. I am confident that voco Kuching will be a fantastic property for Elica and IHG in Malaysia, and also a building block in the economies of Kuching and Sarawak.

“These are exciting times for IHG in Malaysia as we are on track to almost double our estate in the next few years with a pipeline of fantastic hotels that include the debut of voco hotels and luxury & lifestyle brands Regent and Kimpton.

“Together with Elica Equity Sdn. Bdn, we are committed to bringing voco hotels’ signature delightful and uplifting experiences to the market and attract more visitors to this beautiful destination in South East Asia.”

Dato Bobby Ting, Director, Elica Equity said: "At Elica, we’ve always been driven by a pioneering spirit, pushing the boundaries of innovation in property development.

“Today, we are incredibly proud to be bringing the first voco hotel to Malaysia, right here in Kuching. It is our hope that this hotel not only fulfills our joint vision but also set a new standard, inspiring future voco properties throughout Malaysia. This partnership has been a dream, aligning perfectly with our shared ambition to breathe new life into this property."

voco Kuching will offer a welcoming and dynamic space that embodies the voco hotels brand – combining charm, comfort and a premium stay experience with the reliability of a global brand and providing visitors a comfortable and relaxing base to explore the wonders of Sarawak.

A 15-minute drive from the city centre and just five minutes from the Kuching International Airport, hotel facilities will include a swimming pool, all-day dining and café, lounge and a fitness centre. In addition, voco Kuching will have over 2,400 square metres of meeting spaces, including a ballroom that will accommodate 1,300 people and an array of function room options that will elevate the MICE scene in Kuching.

A popular destination among locals for its rich culture and biodiversity, Kuching is set to hit its 4 million tourist arrival target this year, which will match 2019 levels. Its growing tourism sector has been boosted by increased flight routes across Asia, infrastructure development of tourism facilities and attractions, and the organisation of popular major events and festivals such as the annual Rainforest Music Festival that celebrates world music.

Other popular leisure events and activities include Sarawak Cultural Village, a living museum just an hour away from the hotel and Mount Santubung a popular hiking spot through lush rainforests.

IHG has 10 open hotels in Malaysia across five brands, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. It will soon debut three new brands including voco hotels, Regent and Kimpton.

* Figures as of 30 September 2024.