KUALA LUMPUR: Marriott International and YTL Hotels have today inked four Memorandums of Understanding (MoU), two of which are for the development of two luxury hotels in Malaysia under the JW Marriott and EDITION brands, and the remaining two for an EDITION and W Hotel in Niseko Village, Hokkaido, Japan.

YTL Group of Companies managing director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh said the group’s 20-year relationship with Marriott International has been pivotal to the growth of YTL Hotels in Malaysia, Asia, and the UK.

“We are delighted to expand our hospitality footprint in Asia through Marriott International.

“We currently have 11 Marriott International hotels in our portfolio of 32 hospitality assets, making us one of Marriott’s largest owning companies with one of the longest relationships in Asia.

“Through illustrious Marriott International brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, and Autograph Collection, we seek to offer our guests experiences that will make memories for a lifetime,” said Yeoh.

In Malaysia, YTL Hotels’ second JW Marriott hotel will be strategically located near Kuala Lumpur Sentral, offering guests seamless connectivity and easy access to the city’s premier business and leisure destinations.

Meanwhile, the EDITION in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s first, will boast a prestigious address neighbouring KLCC.

In Japan, the EDITION and W hotels will further complement the luxury hotel experience in the fully integrated Niseko Village.

YTL Hotels’ prominent presence in Niseko Village, Hokkaido, is growing with the upcoming development of a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

The highly lauded ski resort currently features two existing hotels with ski-in ski-out accommodation and a collection of bespoke townhouses.

Marriott International Asia Pacific president and managing director Craig S. Smith said: “We are pleased with today’s announcement, which advances our goal of doubling our luxury presence in Asia Pacific.

“With the addition of these hotels to our system, our guests will have even more luxurious opportunities to explore Malaysia and Japan, two exciting and diverse travel destinations.”

Separately, YTL celebrates the re-launch of the 578-room JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur today after having undergone a complete refurbishment.