KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 9): Ekovest Bhd has enlisted Spain’s largest hotel chain, Meliá Hotels International, to manage its hotel suites in the EkoCheras development here.

The two companies inked a 15-year hotel management agreement today, appointing Meliá Hotels as the operator of INNSIDE Kuala Lumpur Cheras.

The 13-storey hotel is scheduled to open in late 2019 and will offer 238 rooms.

“By joining hands with the INNSIDE by Meliá, EkoCheras is expected to see an increased traffic of visitors, particularly among worktrippers," said Ekovest executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Kang Hoo in a statement today.

Meliá Hotels International currently operates more than 370 hotels in 43 countries and 4 continents under its brands: Meliá, Gran Meliá, ME by Meliá, Paradisus, Innside by Meliá, TRYP by Wyndham, Sol Hotels and Club Meliá.

With a gross development value of RM2.11 billion, EkoCheras is part of an integrated development with over 1,500 units of condominium and serviced apartments, shopping mall, hotel and office.

Ekovest shares closed up 1.5 sen or 3.3% at 47 sen on Friday, with 8.83 million shares done, bringing a market capitalisation of RM1.01 billion.