IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to introduce its voco brand to Malaysia, announcing the opening of voco Kuching in 2026. This marks IHG's return to Kuching, Sarawak, after a 16-year hiatus.

The global hospitality group has partnered with Malaysian real estate developer Elica Equity to create this 321-room hotel, which will be part of a 12-storey mixed-use development. This development represents the redevelopment of the former independent Century Hotel, reimagined to reflect voco’s distinctive brand identity.

Located just 15 minutes from Kuching's city centre and five minutes from Kuching International Airport, voco Kuching promises to offer a mix of modern amenities and unparalleled convenience. The hotel will feature a swimming pool, an all-day dining café, a lounge, a fitness centre, and extensive meeting spaces spanning over 2,400m². A highlight of the property is its ballroom, which can host up to 1,300 guests, alongside versatile function rooms suitable for various events.

Patrick Finn, Vice President of Development for IHG Hotels & Resorts in South East Asia & Korea, expressed enthusiasm about the project:

“These are exciting times for IHG in Malaysia as we are on track to almost double our estate in the next few years with a pipeline of fantastic hotels that include the debut of voco hotels and luxury & lifestyle brands Regent and Kimpton. Together with Elica Equity Sdn. Bhd., we are committed to bringing voco hotels’ signature delightful and uplifting experiences to the market and attracting more visitors to this beautiful destination in Southeast Asia.”

This addition expands voco’s global portfolio, which currently boasts 77 operational properties and 80 in development. voco Kuching will be IHG’s first hotel in Sarawak and a key player in strengthening the region’s appeal as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers.