Malaysian hotel group YTL Hotels is to enter the European market from next year and aims to eventually open a hotel in London.
The company already owns and operates high end properties in Malaysia and Thailand and has recently opened its first hotel in Bali.
The group’s latest move is to buy over a property in St Tropez and a ski resort in Zermatt, Switzerland.
YTL Hotels vice president of operations Laurent Myter said: “We are looking for new opportunities all the time. We are also looking at properties in Paris and London. It is important for us to have a presence in London to build awareness of YTL name.”
The UK is the biggest market for the group, with 80% of bookings coming through the trade. The hotels are aimed at honeymooners and families.
Myter praised UK agents for their proactive approach to selling. “There is more drive to sell in the UK than elsewhere. Agents often approach us and suggest a deal that ties in with flight availability. There’s great two-way communication.”