Aiming to reach 10 hotels, 2000 rooms, and creating 1,500 jobs by 2025 in Malaysia, Swiss-Belhotel International embarks in a strategic joint venture with Nautical Insight Sdn Bhd.

The hotel, tourism and leisure industry is one of the leading service industries and is a significant source of economic growth in Malaysia’s economy. Within Malaysia, the hospitality and tourism industry contributes 6% of Malaysia’s GDP and 23% of national employment (3.5 million jobs) and is the third-largest component of the service industry. Thus, it is a no-brainer for Swiss-Belhotel International to put a flag in one of the upcoming economies in Southeast Asia.

Swiss-Belhotel International is bringing its 35 years of expertise in hospitality to drive its aggressive expansion in the Malaysian market. Established in 1987 with 16 well-positioned brands to serve any hospitality asset, Swiss-Belhotel International currently has a portfolio of 125 hotels, resorts and projects located in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland and Tanzania. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences.

The Group recently marked its 35th anniversary celebrating the special milestone and its accomplishments. Staying true to its commitment, togetherness lies at the heart of everything the Group does as it continues to grow.

To fuel its robust expansion plans, the Group partners with Malaysian company Nautical Insight Sdn Bhd, the owner of LaCrista Hotel, a 5-star flagship hotel with 225 furnished rooms and focuses on the concept of Muslim travellers’ friendly accommodation.

Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “We are delighted to partner with Nautical Insight who understands this market well. We see tremendous growth potential for our respective companies in Malaysia and will be aggressively pursuing development opportunities throughout the country. Focused on high-growth markets in South East Asia, our expansion is driven by long-term sustainability while strengthening our diverse portfolio of brands.”

LaCrista Hotel Melaka adds to the charm of Melaka’s skyline, with its glass-domed ceilings and Roman pillars. It is a five-minute-drive from the local attractions in this UNESCO World Heritage Town.

LaCrista by Swiss-Belhotel aims to deliver the best personalised service to each and every guest who wish to create memories in its beautiful Colonial-inspired architecture. Embodying its tagline “Your Personalised Lifestyle Hotel,” the property is perfect for leisure and business travellers.

Dato’ Rosthman Ibrahim, Managing Director of Nautical Insight said, “We are thrilled to partner with Swiss-Belhotel International and look forward to combining the strengths of both our companies. We believe that LaCrista’s better understanding of local culture and requirements can benefit the partnership in providing exquisite services to the customers. With the local knowledge and extensive networking that Nautical Insight has in Malaysia, we are confident that the partnership will deliver guests the exceptional hospitality with outstanding products perfectly suited for the local market.”

Swiss-Belhotel International’s expansion in Malaysia forms part of a broader growth strategy in the country, and worldwide. The group is also planning to introduce new properties in the future to other key destinations within Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur. Swiss-Belhotel International brings global travellers and discerning tourists right in front of Malaysia’s tourist attractions like beautiful islands, beaches, quaint towns, heritage sites, and adventure spots.