JOHOR BAHRU: The first GreenTree Hotel in Southeast Asia will soon see its presence in the city and is poised to stand as a testament to innovation, sustainable luxury, and the cultural richness of Malaysian hospitality.

With unwavering commitment and visionary leadership, this collaborative effort sets the stage for enhanced guest experiences in Johor Bahru and beyond.

As the ground breaking ceremony marks the commencement of construction and visions begin to materialize, the dawn of a new era in hospitality for GreenTea Hospitality Group and Malpakat Group.

The hotel, slated to open its doors by 2026 will feature 206 modern rooms and suites, multiple dining options, and event spaces, including a 500-seat ballroom, 5 meeting rooms, a boardroom, and infinity swimming pool with pool bar, a gym, business lounge, and premium lounge.

Malpakat Group, known for its construction and development, is taking a step forward in the journey.

Malpakat Group already owns a hotel in the heart of Johor Baru since 2016, Holiday Villa Johor Baru City Centre.

The group is now expanding its impact by spearheading the development of the GreenTree Hotel and this endeavor not only signifies a construction milestone but also showcases the group’s dedication to enhance the hospitality industry.

Developed and owned by Malpakat Group, the hotel will be an upper-midscale business and leisure hotel operated as a franchise under GreenTree Hospitality’s license.

The facilities and all amenities are designed to provide a sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation experience tailored to the discerning preferences of modern guests.

The completion of Rapid Transit System (RTS) on GreenTree Hotel is set to further enhance connectivity and accessibility for both business and leisure travelers, solidifying its position as a premier destination in Johor Bahru.

The hotel is poised to stand as a testament to innovation, sustainable luxury, and the cultural richness of Malaysian hospitality.

Its location offers guests the best of everything in the city, including urban entertainment, business and shopping districts.

“Johor Baru remains an attractive destination for travelers, with its vibrant urban energy and many attractions,” said Meekah Phang, assistant director of sales at Holiday Villa.

“We are thrilled to deliver for guests an experience of unrivalled excitement and convenience in two year’s time.

“This new hotel further reinforces our commitment in Malaysia and propel our select offering to the increased number of business and leisure travelers in Johor,” she said.

She added that GreenTree Hotel will soon be an immersive haven that offers versatile spaces for a blended travel experience.

For many GreenTree Hotel is a timely addition to Permas Jaya as the area continues to grow and is an ideal base for business and leisure travelers visiting the many corporate facilities, sports arenas and shopping venues in the area.

In his address at the ground breaking ceremony, Char Hon Wah, director of Malpakat Group said the ground breaking marks the beginning of the construction and targeted to complete by 2026 to receive the first batch of travelers or guests from the RTS between Woodlands and Johor Bahru.

“With the construction and completion of this hotel, it will further enhance the transformation of Malpakat Group from construction and development to property and assets management,” he said.

He also mentioned that the GreenTree Hospitality Group is ranked 11th largest chained-hotel group in the world and fourth largest in China with more than 6,000 hotels across 360 cities.

He said that the hotel established in Southeast Asia marked the cross boarder strategic alliance between Malpakat Group and GreenTree Hospitality Group.

Char added that the southernmost region has continuously been one of the biggest economic contributors to the country and the demand for quality services has increased.

Johor, being the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia, is closest to Singapore. As immediate neighbours, the state’s tourist economy has depended on Singaporeans for many years.

On weekends, the hotels in the state could see an influx of tourists, with check-ins from Singaporeans being consistent around 70 to 90 per cent, especially for those in the four-and five-star range.

Present for the ground breaking ceremony were Char Hon Loong, managing director of Malpakat Group, Char Seow Peng, Gan Siew Teng, Char Soon Wai, Char Soon Kit, all directors of Malpakat Group, Chee Chong Fatt and Lee Chien Siong representatives from GreenTree Hospitality Group.

Also present were Char Jia Xin who is the personal assistant to the directors and Char Hon Loong.