In the Central Business District of Kota Kinabalu, a new, iconic hotel is set to be unveiled, since Interland Development Sdn Bhd has signed an agreement with Marriott International on hotel management and franchise for its five-star Sheraton Hotel Kota Kinabalu.

Vice President, Peter Gassner of Marriott International Hotel Development, Asia Pacific stated the hotel would adopt rejuvenated facilities and a new design direction from the lobby to restaurants and guestrooms as world-renowned designers would be involved.

"It is going to be an iconic building, and it promises great guest experiences for leisure and travelers," he said.

Peter added that Kota Kinabalu is a strategic place for Sheraton Hotels expansion.

"Kota Kinabalu is Malaysia's main tourism destination which makes it an ideal place to expand the Sheraton Hotel brand in the country," he said adding that this was a major milestone in the continued growth of Marriott International in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

"Through our local expertise and strategy for development we hope to partner with Interland Development to bring Sheraton Hotel to this market," he said.

Datuk Ir Peter Chu, CEO of Interland Development group, said the two parties had been in discussions in the past year and formed the joint venture partnership successfully.

Marriott International is the largest hotel chain in the world that operates and franchises hotels and vacation resorts around the world.

With over 30 leading brands covering more than 7,200 properties across 134 countries worldwide, its dynamic sales and marketing platform benefits hotel owners with a competitive advantage as well as opportunities to maximize their hotel investments.

The agreement signed by Peter and Asia Pacific Director of Hotel Development, Andree Susilo, represented Marriott International, while Lim and Chu represented Interland Development.