Based on a media invitation and sneak previews on its social media accounts, Yong Tai will be ushering in the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Melaka, a luxurious international business hotel boasting 287 rooms, this Saturday (April 8).

Owned by Yong Tai, Courtyard by Marriott Melaka is poised to be a choice accommodation for both business and leisure travellers seeking to uncover the captivating heritage city of Melaka.

Situated a mere 15 minutes from the Melaka International Airport, the hotel offers unparalleled access to the city’s historical landmarks, shopping district and local street food scene, hence making it an ideal base for visitors.

The inauguration of Courtyard by Marriott Melaka, a member of Marriott Bonvoy’s prestigious portfolio of 30 hotel brands, at the core of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Melaka, represents a significant milestone for Yong Tai.

Furthermore, it comes at a critical juncture for the group as the pent-up demand for travel offers significant opportunities to capitalise on the influx of tourists.

Pent-up demand

An analyst from a foreign brokerage predicts that the tourism industry will maintain a positive momentum due to increased interest in travel following months of travel restrictions and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With its prime location in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage City, Courtyard by Marriott Melaka is perfectly positioned to accommodate the predicted surge in demand for accommodation and hospitality services.

The hotel offers an enticing blend of contemporary Asian hospitality, history and culture, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travellers. The upswing in travel demand will undoubtedly benefit the hotel while directly bolsters Yong Tai’s bottom line.

To put into perspective, Melaka wais one of Malaysia’s top tourist attractions before the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, there were about 18.7 million tourist arrivals in Melaka with their spending reached the RM21.3 bil mark. This represents an increase of more than five times the level over the past three pandemic-stricken years.

With the re-opening of international borders and return to travel, it is likely that tourist arrivals in Melaka will see a sharp rebound this year, thus boosting the occupancy rate of Courtyard by Marriott Melaka.

The hotel’s success will undoubtedly strengthen Yong Tai’s standing as a leader in Malaysia’s tourism industry while underscoring the company’s dedication to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences and contributing to the nation’s economic recovery.

Closer ties with China

The recent development between Malaysia and China is likely to attract more business travellers to Malaysia which, in turn will be positive of the overall development of the country’s tourism sector.

The strengthening of relationship between Malaysia and China will boost business and investment opportunities between both countries.

As Chinese companies increasingly invest in Malaysian infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology sectors, a growing number of business travellers are expected to visit Malaysia for meetings, conferences, and networking events.

Aside from that, the improved diplomatic and economic ties between Malaysia and China will also lead to a rise in the number of Chinese tourists who visit Malaysia after being enticed by its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.

As a result, hoteliers can capitalise on this opportunity by tailoring their services to cater to the preferences of both corporate and leisure Chinese visitors, hence ensuring a mutually beneficial exchange that further solidifies the robust relationship between Malaysia and China.

As an industry expert observed, the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Melaka is not only a testament to Yong Tai’s vision and resilience but also reflects the group’s commitment to make Melaka a premier destination for international travellers.

“The opening of Courtyard by Marriott Melaka is very timely in that it could benefit from the improved relationship between Malaysia and China which is almost certain to boost tourist arrivals from China,” he told FocusM.

He added that with a strong focus on contemporary Asian hospitality, this new hotel is set to cater to the discerning tastes of both leisure and business travellers, offering them a comfortable and sophisticated space to unwind after a day of exploration or meetings. –