ASEAN Economic Community A Boon For Impiana, Says COO

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- Impiana Hotel Group (IHG) aims to embark on regional expansion and plans to launch five-star resorts in the Maldives, Indonesia and Cambodia. Impiana said in a statement that it plans to roll out its Impiana Resort and Impiana Private Villas brands in Sanur and Ubud in Bali, Indonesia whereas the Maldives will have Impiana Private Villas. Impiana is also looking into acquiring a few properties in Cambodia, especially at Siem Reap to serve the Angkor Wat market, it said. This regional expansion plan will see Impiana moving into the five-star category and is part of Impiana's ASEAN integration plan. Impiana Group Chief Operating Officer Azrin Kamaluddin said ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integration will be a boon for Impiana. "The numbers are promising as reports show rising disposable incomes across ASEAN with an additional 40 million people joining the higher income tiers by 2017. "Today's traveller is more discerning, expects more and is willing to pay more for a better experience," Azrin said, adding the company expects its new resorts in Maldives, Bali and Cambodia to do well with increased occupancies. Impiana Group currently owns and manages four hotels and resorts in Malaysia and three resorts and spas in Thailand. -- BERNAMA