Minor Hotels Appoints Winston Gong as General Manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu

Minor Hotels has appointed Winston Gong as the new General Manager of the upcoming Avani Kota Kinabalu hotel, set to open in Q2 2026. He brings extensive international hospitality leadership experience across Australia, Asia, and the Middle East, most recently serving as GM of Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay.

Key Details of the Appointment
- Hotel: Avani Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia)
- Opening Date: Scheduled for Q2 2026
- Capacity: 352 rooms ("keys")
- Role: Winston Gong will oversee overall operations, commercial strategy, and guest experience delivery.

About Winston Gong
- Career Highlights:
- Led Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay as GM, achieving year-on-year growth and market share gains.
- Recognized for revenue and profit improvement, guest satisfaction gains, and stakeholder management.
- Experienced in both city hotels and resort environments.
- Geographic Experience:
Worked across Australia, Asia, and the Middle East, with expertise in hotel openings, operational turnarounds, and performance-led commercial delivery.

Strategic Importance for Minor Hotels
- Strengthening Presence in Malaysia: Avani Kota Kinabalu will be a flagship property for Minor Hotels in Sabah, enhancing its footprint in Malaysia’s tourism market.
- Commercial Strategy: Gong’s appointment signals a focus on accelerating market positioning and guest experience excellence ahead of the hotel’s launch.
- Regional Tourism Growth: Kota Kinabalu is a gateway to eco-tourism and beach destinations in Sabah, making this property strategically valuable for attracting both international and domestic travelers.

In short: Winston Gong’s appointment positions Avani Kota Kinabalu for a strong market debut in 2026, leveraging his proven track record in hotel performance and guest satisfaction.