THAILAND-based, ONYX Hospitality Group has been appointed to operate a 207-room property in the Malaysian town of Johor Bahru.
Amari Johor Bahru is owned by Exquisite Mode Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of United Malayan Land Bhd) and will be managed by ONYX under their upscale Amari brand. The property will offer a selection of Amari’s signature features including an Asian Food Gallery, Breeze Spa and Idea (meeting) Rooms. The property is scheduled to open in 2015 and is part of the Suasana Iskandar Malaysia development, which also offers serviced apartments for sale and a retail podium.
Located in southern Malaysia, Johor Bahru is becoming a popular weekend escape for families and leisure travellers. Singapore is currently Johor’s top source of international arrivals, followed by Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, the Philippines and India. Johor’s Department of Tourism is aiming for 24.2 million arrivals in 2013, having recorded 12.6 million as of July. The state of Johor offers a number of popular attractions, including Johor Premium Outlets, Legoland Malaysia, Danga World theme park and the Angry Birds Activity Park.
ONYX president and chief executive officer, Peter Henley, says: “As a Thai company, having a presence in one of our closest neighbouring countries has always been a priority for us. Amari has become a household name in Thailand and we look forward to building that level of brand recognition in Malaysia.”
ONYX announced their first property in Malaysia earlier this year for select service brand OZO. OZO Penang is scheduled to welcome its first guests in 2016. There are currently six OZO properties under development in Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.