KUALA LUMPUR (May 6): Impiana Hotel Group announced its plans for a regional expansion as it aims to launch five star resorts in the Maldives, Indonesia and Cambodia, to capitalise on the Asean Economic Community (AEC) integration.

“The AEC integration will be a boon for Impiana. The numbers are promising. Reports show rising disposable incomes across Asean, with [an] additional 40 million people joining the higher income tiers by 2017. Today’s traveler is more discerning, expects more and is willing to pay more for a better experience,” said Impiana chief operating officer Azrin Kamaluddin in a statement today.

The group said it plans to roll out both its Impiana Resort and Impiana Private Villas brands in Sanur and Ubud in Bali, Indonesia, whereas the Maldives will have Impiana Private Villas.

The group is also looking to acquire properties in Cambodia, especially at Siem Reap, to cater to the Angkor Wat market.

Impiana’s regional expansion will see the group moving into the five-star category, and is in line with its Asean integration plan, said the group.

“With over 98 million total tourist arrivals in ASEAN since 2013 and over 40% are Asean-to-Asean tourism, we expect our new resorts in the Maldives, Bali and Cambodia to do well and see increased occupancies in our upgraded resorts in Malaysia and Thailand,” said Azrin.

Currently, Impiana Group owns and manages four hotels and resorts in Malaysia, and three resorts and spas in Thailand.

While the group is expanding into the five-star travel market, Impiana said it will not abandon its four-star category, with plans to introduce a new brand, Elitus, comprising hotels, resorts and serviced residences.