Sarawak’s hotel industry poised for major expansion

KUCHING: Sarawak’s hotel industry is on the verge of significant expansion, with several new hotels, including international chains, expected to open in Kuching and Miri.

According to Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sarawak Chapter chairman John Teo, the state boasts a total of over 22,000 hotel rooms available across major cities as of August 2024.

“In Kuching, there are 48 star-rated hotels providing 6,626 rooms, while about 45 budget inns and motels add another 1,694 rooms, bringing the total to around 8,320 rooms,” Teo said in a statement today.

He further noted that Kuching will welcome at least six more hotels in the near future, including three international chains. Additionally, the second phase of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), which will double its capacity, is expected to accommodate up to 10,000 guests by 2027.

Teo shared that the average occupancy rate in Kuching is currently 63 percent, ranging between 33 to 92 percent.

Meanwhile, in Miri, 23 star-rated hotels offer 3,599 rooms, while 95 budget inns and motels provide an additional 2,301 rooms, totaling about 6,000 rooms.

The newest addition is City Rise Hotel, with another hotel at Eastwood Golf & Resort expected to open by the end of 2024.

Miri’s year-to-date hotel occupancy rate averages 55 percent, with Bruneians making up the largest group of tourists, followed by visitors from Malaysia, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and smaller numbers from Australia and Europe.

Bintulu has 46 star-rated hotels with 3,861 rooms, along with 18 budget inns and motels offering 660 rooms, giving the city a total of 4,521 rooms.

Most of the occupancy in Bintulu comes from workers in the industrial and oil and gas sectors, with occupancy rates ranging between 72 to 95 percent.

“With several new projects in the Samalaju area, more hotels are expected to be developed,” Teo added.

Sibu, on the other hand, offers 18 star-rated hotels with 1,716 rooms, complemented by over 20 budget inns and motels adding another 1,091 rooms, totaling around 2,807 rooms.

The average occupancy rate in Sibu ranges between 30 to 46 percent, mainly driven by domestic business travellers.

At the recent MATTA Fair held from Sept 6 to 8 in Kuala Lumpur, both Sarawak and Sabah were promoted under the theme “Gateway to Borneo.”

The fair, featuring a record 1,592 booths, was officiated by Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and

Meanwhile, at the recent MATTA Fair held from Sept 6-8 in Kuala Lumpur, both Sarawak and Sabah were promoted under the “Gateway to Borneo” theme.

The event, which featured a record-breaking 1,592 booths, was officially opened by Sarawak’s Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah Datuk Christina Liew.

The pavilions highlighted key tourist attractions, with travel agencies offering tour packages, hoteliers promoting accommodations, and local entrepreneurs showcasing Bornean products.