KUALA LUMPUR: YTL Corp Bhd has inked a master development agreement (MDA) with Marriott International to bring the AC Hotels by Marriott brand to Malaysia.
AC Hotels embraces European design and style across its international portfolio of distinctive properties in Europe as well as North and Latin America.
YTL Hotels executive director Datuk Mark Yeoh said the company aims to build the AC brand across Malaysia to cater to different segments of the market.
To kick-start this new venture, YTL Hotels and Marriott International also signed franchise agreements yesterday to strategically convert three established YTL Hotels properties to the AC Hotels by Marriott.
The three properties are Vistana Kuala Lumpur Titiwangsa, Vistana Penang Bukit Jambul and Vistana Kuantan City Centre.
"The 24-year long relationship we enjoy with Marriott International has yielded many valuable opportunities and successful partnerships for YTL Hotels globally," said Yeoh, at the inking of the MDA here.
YTL Hotels currently operate 12 Marriott International hotels such as The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, and Autograph Collection in its portfolio of 36 hospitality assets, making the firm one of Marriott’s largest owning companies with one of the longest relationships in the world.
Marriott International Asia Pacific president and managing director Craig S. Smith said: "We are confident that AC Hotels by Marriott will represent a wonderful new addition to YTL Hotels' portfolio of Marriott International hotels."
"We are honoured to be collaborating once again to bring the AC Hotels by Marriott brand into Malaysia," he said.
Marriott International, based in Maryland, USA, encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,000 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 132 countries and territories.