Malaysia’s first voco hotel makes its mark in Sarawak with refreshing hospitality, local connections and a more thoughtful approach to travel.
A fresh face in Sarawak's hospitality scene is already making its mark. Just months after opening its doors in June 2026, voco Kuching has been named New Hotel of the Year - Malaysia at the Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026 - Malaysia.
The recognition celebrates the hotel's refreshing take on premium hospitality, its commitment to meaningful local connections and the experiences it has brought to Kuching since welcoming its first guests.
As Malaysia's first voco hotel under IHG Hotels & Resorts, voco Kuching brings the brand's distinctive personality to Sarawak, where thoughtful touches, relaxed charm, and a little voco flair come together to make every stay feel different.
With 321 rooms and suites, LUMA restaurant, AMPM bar and café, and more than 2,400 square metres of meetings and events space, the hotel caters to business travellers, leisure guests, and those looking to experience Kuching from a fresh perspective.
But beyond the rooms, restaurants, and event spaces, it is the hotel’s connection to Sarawak that gives voco Kuching its character.
From locally inspired design elements to familiar Sarawak flavours such as Gula Apong, the destination is woven into the guest experience. Handcrafted pieces by indigenous artisans add another layer of authenticity, bringing local craftsmanship, and stories into spaces where guests can discover and appreciate them.
More than a stay, a connection to Sarawak
For voco Kuching, being part of the destination means going beyond simply welcoming visitors.
The hotel actively engages with local entrepreneurs, businesses, artisans, and creatives, creating opportunities to showcase homegrown products, craftsmanship, and talent. These collaborations introduce guests to the people and stories behind Sarawak's creative community, whilst providing local businesses with greater visibility and opportunities to grow.
That same spirit of connection extends to the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Through partnerships with local colleges and universities, voco Kuching is creating opportunities for students to gain industry exposure and discover the many career paths hospitality has to offer. From culinary arts and events to sales, marketing, design, and technology, the hotel hopes to inspire young talent to see hospitality as an industry full of possibilities.
And when it comes to responsible hospitality, the hotel believes that small changes can make a meaningful difference.
Filtered drinking water helps reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles, whilst refillable bathroom amenities and bedding incorporating recycled materials support a more considered approach to everyday operations. Electric vehicle charging facilities are also available, making it a little easier for guests choosing to travel differently.
A big start for a new arrival
voco Kuching certainly wasted no time making its presence felt.
Just three days after its soft opening, the hotel welcomed one of its first major events, hosting the Grand Prix Concert and Closing and Awards Ceremony of the Sarawak International Choral Festival & Symposium 2026 at its Rainforest Ballroom.
The international festival brought together more than 1,200 registered participants from six countries, with the closing ceremony graced by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak and Toh Puan.
For a newly opened hotel, it was an exciting first chapter and an opportunity for the team to demonstrate its readiness to deliver large-scale events. It also marked the beginning of voco Kuching's role in supporting Sarawak's growing calendar of business, cultural, and social gatherings.
A milestone worth celebrating, and just the beginning
Winning New Hotel of the Year - Malaysia is a proud milestone for voco Kuching, but the team sees it as the beginning of a much bigger journey.
Being Malaysia's first voco hotel is a distinction in itself. Building a hotel that guests remember, locals feel connected to and the community can grow alongside is what comes next.
With more guest experiences to create, local stories to share and partnerships to build, voco Kuching looks forward to making its mark in Sarawak, one thoughtful touch and memorable stay at a time.
And in true voco spirit, there's plenty more to look forward to.
About the Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards - Malaysia
The Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards - Malaysia recognises outstanding achievements across the country's travel and tourism industry. The programme celebrates excellence and innovation amongst leading hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology providers, highlighting organisations that contribute to the growth and development of Malaysia's travel landscape.
The Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards - Malaysia is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Czarina Villanueva at +(65) 3158 1386 or [email protected].
