Chinese hotel operator Jin Jiang Hotels China Region is joining forces with Malaysian-owned hospitality group RIYAZ International to enter the Southeast Asian hospitality market. The firms have announced the launch of RJJ Hotels, a subsidiary of RIYAZ Group that will spearhead the introduction of five hotel brands under Jin Jiang to Southeast Asia:  Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels, Lavande Hotels, Jinjiang Inn, Ginco Hotel and Renjoy Hotel.

A launch ceremony for RJJ Hotels on Aug 27, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, was attended by more than 400 industry stakeholders.

Agreements signed during the event include a management license agreement between RJJ Hotels and Jin Jiang Hotels China Region, a joint venture agreement between RIYAZ International and Sarawak company Permodalan Satok for a Metropolo hotel in Sarawak, alongside 11 other hotel management agreements and MoUs.

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According to reports in the Malaysian press, Jin Jiang is seeking to open 181 hotels in Southeast Asia over the next five years, including 60 in Malaysia.

Jin Jiang Hotels China Region is a unit of Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels Co, China, one of the world’s biggest hotel groups with over 17,000 hotels across 55 countries.

Riyaz International is part of the Riyaz Group, whose portfolio includes hotel brands Dash and The RIYAZ