IHG to manage InterContinental and Crowne Plaza in Malaysia

Arena Target Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Tradewinds Corporation Berhad (formerly known as Pernas International Holdings Berhad) has appointed the InterContinental Hotels Group to manage two of Malaysia’s premium hotels, the Mutiara Kuala Lumpur and Mutiara Penang.

The strategic partnership will witness the establishment of two world-renowned hotel brands, with the Kuala Lumpur property becoming the first Crowne Plaza hotel in Kuala Lumpur and the Penang property becoming the first InterContinental resort in Malaysia.

“Malaysia has always been a priority for InterContinental Hotels Group and this alliance allows us to increase our presence with the right brands and the right partner in the right locations. By combining Arena’s strengths in real estate and our hotel management expertise, we are confident that the synergy will enable the two hotels to be the best in their market place, with quality accommodations and international service offerings,” commented Mr A. Patrick Imbardelli, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, InterContinental Hotels Group.

“This appointment by Arena Target clearly demonstrates that our partners recognise the value we bring to the relationship. We have a proven formula that will drive revenue generation and operational excellence in our hotels while at the same time enhancing asset value and profitability for our hotel owners and business partners,” Mr Imbardelli added.

Speaking on the decision to partner with InterContinental Hotels Group, En Mohd Redza Shah bin Abdul Wahid, Group Chief Executive Officer of Tradewinds Corporation Berhad, said, “We believe that we have found the right hotel management partner in InterContinental Hotels Group. The strength of InterContinental Hotels Group’s hotel management expertise, its world-recognised Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brands and their global infrastructure in marketing and reservation are the impetus for this strategic alliance. We are confident that the partnership with InterContinental will reinforce our leadership of Malaysia’s hospitality industry.”

“The alliance between Arena Target and InterContinental Hotels Group is timely as the Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur and the InterContinental Resort Penang will be well positioned to capture a significant share of the expected 13 million visitors to Malaysia this year. Both our organisations are looking forward to a mutually fulfilling partnership that will bring benefits to our stakeholders,” added En. Redza.

Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur

The 36-storey Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur will be launched in December 2004. Strategically located in the centre of Kuala Lumpur’s banking and commercial centre, it boasts 535 guest rooms. The Grand Nirwana Ballroom and 13 other meeting suites offer 38,000 square feet of indoor function and meeting space complemented with a full Executive Business Centre.

InterContinental Resort Penang

Mutiara Penang is a landmark hotel in Penang with its 438 guest rooms enjoying sea and garden views. Located on a prime beachfront at Teluk Bahang, otherwise known as the 'Glowing Bay' and nestled in 7.3 hectares (18 acres) of landscaped tropical greenery, it is a luxury escape for many travellers. After a refurbishment programme over the next period of 12 months, the hotel will be launched as InterContinental Resort Penang in the third quarter of 2005.