Shangri-La International Hotel Management and Pacific Sanctuary Holdings announce the development of the first Hotel Jen in Borneo.
Opening in 2018, the twin-tower, 440-room Hotel Jen Kota Kinabalu will be located in PacifiCity, an integrated shopping, entertainment and lifestyle hub located along the coastal highway in Kota Kinabalu, the gateway city to Sabah and wider Borneo.
The announcement was made at a signing ceremony at Shangri-La?s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu.
KP Kuok, executive director of Pacific Sanctuary, said: ?The Shangri-La Group was one of the pioneer investors in Sabah?s tourism industry and 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 added: ?Tourism has provided Sabahans from all walks of life opportunities to find fulfilling employment and to develop professional careers. When counting indirect jobs, the industry is one of the biggest employers here. 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.?
Greg Dogan, president and CEO of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, said: ?The announcement of Hotel Jen Kota Kinabalu is extremely important for our organisation. We?ve built a strong presence in Kota Kinabalu and throughout Malaysia, and are delighted the newest brand in our portfolio reinforces our commitment to Sabah, Borneo and beyond.?
Described as ?fresh, friendly and fuss-free,? the Hotel Jen brand was launched a year ago to cater to a new ?Jeneration? of independently minded business and leisure travellers.
The first 10 Hotel Jen properties opened in major cities in Asia Pacific in under a year.
?The Hotel Jen experience delivers what matters most to guests,? said Dogan. ?They appreciate important things done well; demand quality, comfort and value, together with honest, authentic service; and want privacy and efficiency without unnecessary fuss or intrusion.?