Pact for new flagship hotel in KK
Kota Kinabalu: The tourism industry, being one of the biggest employers in the State, has provided Sabahans from all walks of life opportunities to find fulfilling employment and to develop professional careers.
“This is a significant reason why we decided to invest in hotels and resorts in Sabah. They bring long-lasting employment and benefits to the community,” said Pacific Sanctuary Holdings Sdn Bhd Executive Director KP Kuok.
Kuok was speaking at the signing of agreement between Shangri-La Group and Pacific Sanctuary Holdings Sdn Bhd for the development of the first Hotel Jen Kota Kinabalu, here, Tuesday.
He said as one of the pioneer investors in Sabah’s tourism industry, Shangri-La Group has attained a reputation as a highly regarded brand by Sabahans and visitors to Sabah alike.
“Hotel Jen Kota Kinabalu will be an extension of this, providing another strong brand to meet the new demand from business visitors and international tourists,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts President Greg Dogan promised that the new hotel will deliver what matters most to guests such as quality, comfort and value, together with honest, authentic service, privacy and efficiency.
“Hotel Jen is well positioned to offer guests to Kota Kinabalu more flexibility, as busy non-traditional work hours tend to blend the boundaries between business and leisure,” he said.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Edward Yong.
Pairin said the government welcomed the move by the two industry giants who have decided to choose Sabah to build its next flagship hotel which will be built in PacifiCity, an integrated shopping, entertainment and lifestyle hub located along the coastal highway in Kota Kinabalu.
“This will contribute directly to the need of our tourism industry which will continue to grow because of our geographical location. As our tourism industry expands, so will our economy because this industry will always create other industries while, at the same time, provide career opportunities for our youths,” he said.
On behalf of the government, Pairin thanked Shangri-La International Hotel Management and Pacific Sanctuary Holdings Sdn Bhd for bringing the project to Sabah and also tour operators for their continuous support to Sabah’s tourism industry.
At the same time, he urged the industry players to consider building more hotels not only in cities, but also in the interior part of Sabah so that the industry can also benefit the people there.
“If the tourism industry is brought to our people living in the rural areas, it will go a long in helping to strengthen their economy,” he said.
Pairin also dismissed the notion that it may not be the most opportune time to keep building hotels while the country is suffering from economic depression, coupled with continuous threat from cross-border criminals.
While recent kidnappings have unfortunately kept some tourists away, he said this bad moment will certainly pass and should not be an excuse for the government and the private sector to stop all that have been planned for the future.
“Whatever happened in the country is a phenomena that happens everywhere and will always happen in other parts of the world also. All these will pass. Whatever the problem is we are facing now, they will resolve by itself.
“We regret that both kidnap victims are still being held while they negotiate on the ransom money. In the meantime, life must goes on. Planning for the future must goes on. The tourism industry is growing so rapidly and I hope industry players will take note, and be ready for the future,” he said.
Source: Daily Express
