Related Sectors

Hospitality Sector

Malaysia's Hospitality Industry
Malaysia’s hospitality industry is experiencing healthy growth in hotel openings and hospitality-related services through the steady flow of business travelers, tourists and popularity as a MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) venue.

Malaysia’s advantage in this sector lies in good value in terms of costs compared to the rest of the region, its diversity of natural attractions such as beaches and mountains as well as solid infrastructure and amenities.

A total of 23.6million tourists entered Malaysia in 2009, marking an increase of 7.3% y-o-y compared to 2008. The tourism industry has rebounded quickly despite the effects of the global economic crisis.

Currently, there are approximately 180 hotels of 4-star grade and above, contributing to a total room supply of 54,175. The average hotel occupancy rate in 2009 was fairly stable at 60.9%. According to the Malaysian Association of Hotels, average hotel room rates in Kuala Lumpur's prime Golden Triangle location stands at approximately RM 221.10 (USD$ 70.00).

2009 and 2010 will see the launch of more established hotel names such as:

• Thistle Johor Bahru and Thistle Port Dickson Resort
• Four Points by Sheraton in Kuching opened in July 2009, owned by the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
• Doubletree by Hilton in Kuala Lumpur
• The Hyatt at Kuala Lumpur

Hotels in Malaysia have been awarded accolades in award shows such as the the 16th World Travel Awards. In 2009, Pan Pacific KLIA was named Asia's Leading Airport Hotel and the Hilton Kuala Lumpur won in the Leading City Hotel and Leading Design Hotel categories. Such awards are testament to the world-class standards found in Malaysia’s hospitality industry.