KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 30): Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia) is set to introduce Southeast Asia's first Renjoy Hotel in Desaru, Johor, alongside plans to launch a 7 Days Premium Hotel in Tanjung Malim, Perak in the first half of 2027, according to a press statement issued on Thursday (Oct 29). Details of the latter are forthcoming.

Under a hotel management agreement signed with Techvance Hotel & Resort — the hospitality arm of Techvance Group — the existing Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa will be refreshed and rebranded as Renjoy Hotel Desaru.

The hotel management group said the transformation of the upper-midscale beachfront resort will focus on refreshed guest rooms, new dining experiences, and upgraded resort facilities.

"This project marks an important step in introducing Renjoy Hotel to Southeast Asia and in broadening our presence in Malaysia's resort sector," Jin Jiang Hotels regional general manager for Malaysia and Indonesia Li Xun said.

"Desaru's beachfront setting provides a strong foundation for the brand. Together with Techvance, we look forward to bringing Renjoy Hotel's design philosophy and service standards to the destination, while preserving the local character that makes the property distinctive," Li added.

Techvance Group managing director Datuk Edward Lau said: "We selected a partner whose international network and operating expertise complement our local knowledge and vision for the property. Through this transformation, we aim to enhance the resort experience, strengthen its market positioning and create long-term value while retaining the hospitality our guests know.”

Malaysia recorded 42.2 million international visitor arrivals in 2025, representing an 11.2% year-on-year increase, with China contributing approximately 4.7 million arrivals.

Johor welcomed 10.63 million overnight tourists in 2025 and recorded 34,986 hotel rooms, with the state government targeting 12 million tourists under the Visit Johor Year 2026 campaign.

Jin Jiang Hotels (Malaysia) is the Malaysian arm of Shanghai Stock Exchange-listed Jin Jiang Hotels, which operated 14,404 hotels with 1,393,084 guest rooms across more than 50 countries and regions as at June 30, 2026.