Malaysia-based YTL Hotels has invested in the New Zealand market for the first time with the NZ$160 million acquisition of Hotel Indigo Auckland.
The agreement, approved by the New Zealand Overseas Investment Office in September, includes a 25-year hotel management contract with IHG Hotels and Resorts.
The acquisition represents the second-largest hotel transaction on record in New Zealand this year.
At the recent ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, welcomed YTL’s investment in the nation.
“I’d like to congratulate YTL on its investment decision which is a clear vote of confidence in our visitor economy and our cities,” Luxon said.
“YTL is an integrated infrastructure developer with a significant footprint in Asia and an important relationship for New Zealand.
“We see many opportunities for YTL’s expertise, and I look forward to them investing further in New Zealand.”
Located in the heart of Auckland, Hotel Indigo features 225 guest rooms and vibrant social spaces.
YTL Hotels Executive Director, Dato Mark Yeoh, said the company has great confidence in the New Zealand market.
“We are delighted to mark YTL Hotels’ first investment in New Zealand with the acquisition of Hotel Indigo Auckland,” he said.
“At YTL Hotels, we have always sought to create Treasured Places, Treasured Moments – destinations that connect people and celebrate their surroundings.
“We see that same spirit here in New Zealand. This milestone reflects our confidence in the country’s visitor economy and our commitment to building lasting partnerships that bring meaningful value to the communities we invest in.”
YTL Hotels owns and manages over 35 properties, including resorts, hotels, boutique experiences, and Spa Villages, across Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Australia, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Its growing portfolio across Asia and the Pacific includes AC Hotel by Marriott Ipoh (opened Jan 2025), Moxy Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown (opened Apr 2025), Moxy Niseko Village (opening Winter 2026), and The Rawai Phuket (opening 2027), and the recently acquired Thistle Hotel, Johor Bahru.