DUBAI, UAE, January 11, 2011 -- Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement to operate the Moevenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA, a 333-room upscale property, convention centre and wellness facility in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Set to open in early 2014, the hotel will be conveniently located a few minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the F1 Sepang International Circuit.

The upscale hotel will form part of a larger 15-acre development comprising a world-class Convention and Exhibition Centre and is ideally designed to host the increasing number of incentive groups, business and leisure travellers flying in and out of Kuala Lumpur.

Datuk Ismee Ismail, Group Managing Director and CEO of owning company Lembaga Tabung Haji, said: "We are extremely delighted about our new partnership with Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts, as it enables us to combine our local expertise with a leading globally recognised brand."

"The project is coming up next to the Sepang Holy Mosque and will include an expansive Hajj Complex. We teamed up with Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts as it has extensive experience hosting pilgrims in the Middle East as well as meeting corporate travellers' needs all year round. We are proud to bring such a renowned hotel company to Malaysia and this reflects the confidence of Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts to collaborate with Lembaga Tabung Haji."

The 26,000sqm Convention and Exhibition Centre will be an important business draw, featuring a 1,330sqm column free ballroom, exhibition hall, multi-function rooms and boardrooms.

Guests will have plenty of chance to unwind too, with the 250-seat all-day dining restaurant, two speciality restaurants and Lobby Lounge and Convention Centre cafe - along with the wellness centre, fitness facilities, two swimming pools and shops.

The 333 rooms will span nine floors with room sizes ranging from 30.5sqm for standard rooms, up to 203sqm for the Royal Suite.

The hotel's design will incorporate modern architectural elements with archways, courtyards and large atriums, intertwined with landscaped gardens and water features, and conform to sustainable build and operating practices in order to meet Green Globe standards.

Andreas Mattmüller, Chief Operating Officer for Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts, Middle East & Asia, said the property illustrates its commitment to the Asian market and in particular Malaysia, a key gateway destination for South-East Asia. "We are very excited about this landmark project, which will appeal to business, religious and leisure travellers." http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com