Emerging Destinations, New Models Take Center Stage at Hotel Investment Summit Malaysia
The Hotel Investment Summit Malaysia #HISM convened leading voices from the hospitality and real estate sectors to explore the future of hotel development in Malaysia. From unlocking emerging destinations to embracing alternative business models, the summit offered timely insights into how hotel investments can adapt to shifting traveler demands and evolving market dynamics.
Charting new territory
Panelists outlined a clear and compelling direction for the future of hotel investment in Malaysia, emphasizing the need to move beyond overdeveloped destinations and tap into emerging locales.
“We start to see heritage towns, eco retreats, [and] highland retreats peaking up in terms of place. So that shift in interest is obviously bringing us as operators…new opportunities that we may not have previously considered,” said Bastien Touzeau, RVP for Development at Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Speakers stressed the importance of integrating sustainability, wellness, and cultural connection into development strategies—elements increasingly prioritized by today’s travelers. “Post-pandemic, and it's not just for Malaysian resort guests but it’s really [global], we have seen that there has been a shift towards more experiential travel and guests are really into sustainability, into wellness, into reconnecting with local culture,” Touzeau added.
In addition, Gen Z travel behavior is also shaping global tourism, driven by this generation's growing desire to disconnect from daily hustle and reconnect with nature and tranquility.
Speakers underscored the importance of stronger government-led tourism promotion to raise visibility for emerging destinations beyond established hotspots like Langkawi and Penang. In parallel, panelists pointed to a growing disconnect with the domestic market. Hotels—particularly those under international brands—were encouraged to balance global positioning with local relevance.
Developers, they noted, must also consider accessibility when planning new destinations. While international tourists may require multiple connecting flights to reach certain areas, domestic travelers often need only a short drive—making the local market a vital and often overlooked opportunity. As the discussion concluded, one message stood out: there is an opportunity to create a new Langkawi.
A market in motion
The sessions turned the lens inward, focusing on the mechanics of transformation and the fine balance between risk, return, and identity. Panelists dug into the benefits of alternative business models that prioritize long-term value over short-term gains.
“Asset-light hotel models are more about branding and positioning themselves in the local market so it helps the owners of the buildings who are developers… to be able to monetize the buildings by ensuring proper branding is used through the open market channel,” Joachim Ka-Tsung Lim, Head of Legal Group at IOI Properties Group Berhad said.
In parallel, hoteliers, who benefit from asset-light investment models, should also look into investment strategies that enhance the customer experience to maintain harmony and stable revenue generation.
In parallel, hoteliers benefiting from asset-light models should also explore customer-focused investment strategies to ensure guest satisfaction and stable revenue streams.
“Some investment models would probably be about making sure that customers, predominantly those who patronize these establishments, are able to feel comfortable [and] they are able to feel that they are welcomed when they arrive at the destination,” Lim added.
Wrapping up the discussions at #HISM, panelists made it clear that the road ahead for hotel investment in Malaysia requires bold vision, strategic innovation, and a deeper connection to place.
By aligning investment strategies with evolving guest expectations and regional opportunities, hoteliers and developers can shape a more resilient, sustainable, and guest-centric future for Malaysian hospitality.
Looking Ahead
Riding the momentum of this year’s dynamic discussions, the Hotel Investment Summit Malaysia #HISM is set to return at the 6th Hospitality Malaysia Conference #HMC2026, scheduled on July 1, 2026, at the Connexion Conference & Event Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
As a key pillar of the Hospitality Malaysia Conference, the next edition of #HISM will dive deeper into investment strategies, emerging destinations, and the evolving forces shaping hotel development in Malaysia.
Stay tuned.
For more information, visit: www.hospitality-malaysia.com/
For inquiries, please contact: delegate@hospitality-asia.com
Charting new territory
Panelists outlined a clear and compelling direction for the future of hotel investment in Malaysia, emphasizing the need to move beyond overdeveloped destinations and tap into emerging locales.
“We start to see heritage towns, eco retreats, [and] highland retreats peaking up in terms of place. So that shift in interest is obviously bringing us as operators…new opportunities that we may not have previously considered,” said Bastien Touzeau, RVP for Development at Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Speakers stressed the importance of integrating sustainability, wellness, and cultural connection into development strategies—elements increasingly prioritized by today’s travelers. “Post-pandemic, and it's not just for Malaysian resort guests but it’s really [global], we have seen that there has been a shift towards more experiential travel and guests are really into sustainability, into wellness, into reconnecting with local culture,” Touzeau added.
In addition, Gen Z travel behavior is also shaping global tourism, driven by this generation's growing desire to disconnect from daily hustle and reconnect with nature and tranquility.
Speakers underscored the importance of stronger government-led tourism promotion to raise visibility for emerging destinations beyond established hotspots like Langkawi and Penang. In parallel, panelists pointed to a growing disconnect with the domestic market. Hotels—particularly those under international brands—were encouraged to balance global positioning with local relevance.
Developers, they noted, must also consider accessibility when planning new destinations. While international tourists may require multiple connecting flights to reach certain areas, domestic travelers often need only a short drive—making the local market a vital and often overlooked opportunity. As the discussion concluded, one message stood out: there is an opportunity to create a new Langkawi.
A market in motion
The sessions turned the lens inward, focusing on the mechanics of transformation and the fine balance between risk, return, and identity. Panelists dug into the benefits of alternative business models that prioritize long-term value over short-term gains.
“Asset-light hotel models are more about branding and positioning themselves in the local market so it helps the owners of the buildings who are developers… to be able to monetize the buildings by ensuring proper branding is used through the open market channel,” Joachim Ka-Tsung Lim, Head of Legal Group at IOI Properties Group Berhad said.
In parallel, hoteliers, who benefit from asset-light investment models, should also look into investment strategies that enhance the customer experience to maintain harmony and stable revenue generation.
In parallel, hoteliers benefiting from asset-light models should also explore customer-focused investment strategies to ensure guest satisfaction and stable revenue streams.
“Some investment models would probably be about making sure that customers, predominantly those who patronize these establishments, are able to feel comfortable [and] they are able to feel that they are welcomed when they arrive at the destination,” Lim added.
Wrapping up the discussions at #HISM, panelists made it clear that the road ahead for hotel investment in Malaysia requires bold vision, strategic innovation, and a deeper connection to place.
By aligning investment strategies with evolving guest expectations and regional opportunities, hoteliers and developers can shape a more resilient, sustainable, and guest-centric future for Malaysian hospitality.
Looking Ahead
Riding the momentum of this year’s dynamic discussions, the Hotel Investment Summit Malaysia #HISM is set to return at the 6th Hospitality Malaysia Conference #HMC2026, scheduled on July 1, 2026, at the Connexion Conference & Event Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
As a key pillar of the Hospitality Malaysia Conference, the next edition of #HISM will dive deeper into investment strategies, emerging destinations, and the evolving forces shaping hotel development in Malaysia.
Stay tuned.
For more information, visit: www.hospitality-malaysia.com/
For inquiries, please contact: delegate@hospitality-asia.com
