Created by a team of experienced hoteliers and travel industry players, The VIP Pass launched its “Visit Malaysia Pass” on 22 July 2022, officiated by Guest of Honour, YB Datuk Seri Dr Santhara JP, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). Also present at the launch ceremony was Mr Sandeep S. Grewal, VIP Pass CEO, Mr Aravind Sinniah, VIP Pass COO, Mr Manoharan Periasamy, Senior Director, International Promotion (Asia and Africa) of Tourism Malaysia, Pn. Mardiana Rahayu Tukira, Chief Development Officer of UEM Sunrise Berhad, and representatives from various hotels in Malaysia.
In his speech, YB Datuk Seri Dr Santhara said, “Since opening our borders in the Transition to Endemic Phase of COVID-19 in April this year, MOTAC has been working tirelessly in pushing for a strategic direction with the focus on smart tourism. Diving into our National Tourism Policy, we are committed to break out of our comfort zones to push our agendas forward.”
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He added, “As such, we welcome The VIP Pass “Visit Malaysia Pass” and look forward to it aligning with our policies of reinventing and transforming the travel and tourism industry in Malaysia. We must be ready for the winds of change with competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusiveness with the potential of making Malaysia the Top 10 tourism destination once again.”
The VIP Pass is set to revolutionise the way travellers book their next hotel stay anywhere in Malaysia. It was created in support of its Hotel Partners and the revival of travel back into Malaysia with the launch of the “Visit Malaysia Pass”. Membership is at RM600, with six free nights to choose from at over 137 hotels across Malaysia with a validity period of two years. The membership also offers great discounts and cashback offers from multiple brands across Malaysia, and will be marketed across Singapore, United Kingdom, Australia, Thailand, India, and Hong Kong.
The CEO of VIP Pass, Mr Sandeep S. Grewal, said, “Even in the best of times hotels always have some unsold rooms, but there is still a running cost to it, we get these rooms at the low rates and give it to our members who eventually spend more in the hotel through the restaurants and spas thus creating a win-win situation for both parties. We anticipate bringing in RM30 million worth of hotel room night bookings for Malaysian hotels with this pass.”
Echoing MOTAC’s sentiments in making Malaysia a Top 10 tourism destination, The VIP Pass, currently headquartered in Singapore with regional bases in each country, announced its new office set up in the heart of Kuala Lumpur to better serve its growing regional clients.
This new office is in ConfirmSpace.my, an event and coworking space which is in Mercu Summer Suites, a UEM Sunrise development.
Some of The VIP Pass’ Hotel Partners who were present at the launch commended the pass for bringing business back to them whilst securing a mutually beneficial partnership for both parties.
“The VIP Pass was a saviour when we were at our lowest point. The pandemic, coupled with the abrupt lockdowns, became a struggle looking for business partners who were willing to commit. And The VIP Pass came to our rescue. They were not just committed, but they produced. Currently one of our top 20 accounts, we have had no regrets. We continue to reap the rewards of this wonderful collaboration,” said Miss Sharmini Moganasundram, General Manager of Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur.
Adding to her sentiments is Mr Henry Low, Group General Manager of Pacific Regency Hotel Group, “The VIP Pass has been a very supportive platform to work with and onwards reservation has gradually improved. We are confident more bookings will be generated from them.”
