Tropicana Corp Bhd has entered into a strategic partnership with global hospitality group Accor to introduce Mercure Living Genting Highlands, marking Malaysia’s first Accor-branded condotel development.
The collaboration reflects Tropicana’s broader strategy of expanding beyond traditional property development by incorporating hospitality, asset management and recurring income streams into its business model.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Property Development
According to Tropicana, the partnership forms part of its long-term plan to strengthen earnings resilience through hospitality-related ventures. By integrating professionally managed accommodation into its developments, the company aims to create additional recurring revenue while enhancing the attractiveness of its townships and lifestyle destinations.
Group CEO Dennis Ng highlighted that Tropicana is evolving its business model to support sustainable growth, combining property development with hospitality and service-based offerings.
Mercure Living Genting Highlands
The project will be located within TwinPines Serviced Suites at Tropicana Grandhill, a wellness-focused development situated within the larger Tropicana WindCity township in Genting Highlands.
Key project details include:
Gross development value (GDV): RM1.06 billion
Total units: 1,443 fully furnished units
Expected completion and opening: 2028
Current take-up rate: 88%
Construction progress: 30%
The development is designed to cater to both property owners and visitors seeking professionally managed accommodation in a major tourism destination.
Hospitality and Lifestyle Features
Mercure Living Genting Highlands will offer a range of hospitality facilities, including:
All-day dining restaurant
Executive lounge
Multipurpose hall
Heated swimming pool
Fitness centre
The project will operate under Accor’s hospitality management platform, providing owners with access to:
Rental and leasing management services
Global reservation systems
Membership benefits through the ALL (Accor Live Limitless) loyalty programme
Property owners will also automatically receive Gold membership status within the loyalty programme, granting access to benefits across Accor’s worldwide hotel network.
Meeting Demand for Managed Properties
Tropicana believes there is growing demand among buyers for properties that offer professional management, rental income opportunities and long-term value preservation.
By combining Tropicana’s expertise in township development with Accor’s international hospitality experience, the company aims to create a branded residence concept that appeals to both investors and lifestyle-oriented buyers.
The project also supports the continued growth of Genting Highlands as a leisure and tourism destination by introducing an internationally recognised hospitality brand into the market.
Potential Expansion to Other Locations
Tropicana indicated that similar hospitality-led developments may be introduced in other parts of its landbank in the future.
Potential locations mentioned include:
Genting Highlands
Johor
Langkawi
This suggests that the company views hospitality-integrated developments as an important component of its future growth strategy.
Digital Ecosystem Supporting the Strategy
The diversification initiative is also supported by Tropicana’s digital platforms:
T360
Property management services
Maintenance tracking
Facility bookings
Loyalty programme integration
T Journey
Rental management services
Travel and lifestyle experiences
Partnership-based hospitality offerings
These platforms are designed to improve customer experience while supporting recurring service-based revenue.
What I Learned
This article illustrates how property developers are increasingly diversifying beyond the traditional build-and-sell model by incorporating hospitality and asset management services into their developments.
I learned that branded residences and condotels have become attractive investment products because they combine property ownership with professional hospitality management, allowing owners to potentially generate rental income while benefiting from established hotel brands and reservation networks.
The partnership between Tropicana and Accor also demonstrates how developers are creating recurring income streams rather than relying solely on one-time property sales. This approach can improve earnings stability and enhance the long-term value of large integrated townships and tourism-focused developments.
Furthermore, the project highlights the growing importance of lifestyle, wellness and tourism-oriented real estate, particularly in destinations such as Genting Highlands, where hospitality demand can complement residential and investment property markets.
Yao Mu Realty, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, specializes in industrial real estate for factories and land, delivering professional and efficient solutions.
Posted by Yao Mu Realty Sdn Bhd on 1 Jul 26
Malaysia