Sama-Sama Hotel KLIA allocates RM16mil for renovation

KUALA LUMPUR: Sama-Sama Hotel KL International Airport (KLIA) will be spending RM16 million to renovate its restaurants and event spaces, starting from the middle of November this year.

Its general manager Sundralingam Kulendra said the renovation which will be in phases, is in line with the shift in trends and lifestyle to give the hotel a refreshing look.

“All meeting rooms including the banquet will also go through changes and will come out with new packages. We will also look into all aspects of marketing, on how we can better present ourselves from the traditional ways in this hospitality business,” he told Bernama in an interview.

The renovation including the lobby according to him,  will take between 10 to 12 months to be fully completed and would incorporate new contemporary concept with unique ambience and design, while at the same time adopting the best technology advancement to suit modern living.

He explained that the hotel will not be closed during the renovation and “business will carry on as usual as it is the only hotel that is linked and bridged to KLIA.”

“Besides airline passengers, our clients include corporate guests mainly from the motorsports industry, logistics industry and other businesses that are growing within the Sepang area,” said Sundralingam.

He also said that the company was optimistic that the hotel will continue to perform strongly given its main strength lies in the regular returning guests.

“Last year, through our electronic guest survey system, guests whether staying or walk-ins rated our service at 94.6 over 100, whereas the industry standard is around 85.

“Our average occupancy rate in 2018 was at 81 per cent and in the first four months this year, we have recorded 82 per cent of occupancy on average,” he said.

The Sama-Sama hotel is owned and operated by KL Airport Hotels Sdn Bhd (KLAH) which also owned Sama-Sama Express KLIA and Sama-Sama Express klia2.

KLAH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).

On next year’s Visit Malaysia 2020, guests are expected to transit for a longer period as they like to experience Malaysia and go for short visits within the 60-kilometre radius which include Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Shah Alam, he said.

“We have been working with the Selangor state government to bring foreign tourists for short visit around the radius.

“We also look forward to working with any relevant parties including Tourism Malaysia to promote more exciting local destinations,” added Sundralingam. - Bernama