11-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
GreenTree expands presence in Malaysia, eyes Kuala Lumpur growth
KUALA LUMPUR: GreenTree Inns (GTI) Hotel Management Group, which operates over 5,000 hotels in China and nearly 200 properties across Japan, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, is investing RM500 million over the next three years to expand in Malaysia.
"We plan to allocate RM300 million to RM500 million over the next two to three years, depending on finding suitable properties," said Alex Xu, the group's founder, chairman, and chief executive officer.
Xu added that GTI is in discussions with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to accelerate its expansion in Malaysia.
The group is also collaborating closely with Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts for its Malaysian ventures.
Xu said that GTI plans to open three hotels in Malaysia, targeting key markets such as Kuala Lumpur and Johor.
"Kuala Lumpur remains a primary focus due to its role as a business and tourism hub. It's the centre of all the action, and we're eager to operate more hotels in Kuala Lumpur and other metropolitan areas that attract diverse travellers," Xu said, following the announcement of the joint-venture partnership with Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts.
As part of the partnership, GTI's first hotel in Johor Bahru is expected to open by 2026. This milestone marks the group's official entry into Malaysia and is made possible through a collaboration with Malpakat Group, the developer of GreenTree Hotel Johor Bahru, and the licensee of Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre.
GTI's first investment in Kuala Lumpur, valued at around RM100 million, will see the rebranding of an existing property near the Petronas Twin Towers to a Holiday Villa Hotel, Xu said.
Xu further shared that GTI is considering expanding the Holiday Villa brand into existing markets such as the US and other parts of Asia as part of its long-term strategy.
"The collaboration between GTI and Holiday Villa is seen as a strategic fit, offering a cost-effective and efficient hotel management solution," Xu noted.
He expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting Holiday Villa's rich hospitality heritage, experienced leadership, and expert management team.
Xu said the collaboration represents a long-term strategic alliance aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies by leveraging the combined expertise of both groups in hotel management.
"As we expand our presence in Southeast Asia, this collaboration with a brand that shares our commitment to service excellence and hospitality innovation is a natural fit. Holiday Villa's strong market positioning in Malaysia and beyond makes them an ideal partner," Xu said.
Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts chairman Tan Sri Azman Shah Haron said the collaboration with GTI aims to accelerate the Holiday Villa group's expansion not only within Malaysia but also across Asean, China, and Middle Eastern countries.
He said the group is targeting key markets such as Riyadh, Bangkok, Cambodia, and the Philippines, where demand for quality hospitality services is growing.
"We currently operate 26 hotels across five countries, and we continue to expand. With GTI's support, we aim to have more hotels in the near future," Azman Shah said.
