PENANG will see the establishment of ten new hotels over the next few years as the state continues to attract an increasing number of tourists, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow shared that state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai informed him that these hotels would add about 4,000 rooms to the state’s accommodation capacity.
“I don’t think there is an oversupply of hotels in the state. In fact, at numerous international conferences or conventions, there was often a shortage of hotel rooms.
“There is definitely room for more hotels to accommodate the increasing number of visitors and tourists to Penang,” Chow said in response to a reporter’s question after witnessing the signing ceremony between MTT Hospitality and Pan Pacific Hotels Group to transform Evergreen Laurel Hotel into Gurney Bay Hotel, a PARKROYAL partner hotel.
During his speech at the ceremony, Chow said the tourism industry has long been a crucial economic driver for Penang, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.
“In 2023 alone, Penang recorded almost 7 million tourist arrivals, a clear sign of the industry’s resilience and appeal.
“The increasing availability of direct international flights to Penang will undoubtedly continue to fuel this growth.
“Tourism is also an integral component of our Penang2030 vision. Since introducing our vision’s acceleration phase, we have been focused on doubling the level of tourist satisfaction by 2030. Currently, we are at 84 percent. Therefore, I believe we can double down on this figure even before 2030 if the mushrooming of such partnerships were to continue,” Chow said.
He described the signing ceremony as a significant milestone for both the MMT Group of Companies and the Pan Pacific Hotels Group, marking a new chapter in Penang’s vibrant hospitality landscape.
The collaboration will initially see the establishment of the Gurney Bay Hotel, a Parkroyal Partner Hotel, which by 2026 will evolve into the Parkroyal Gurney Bay Hotel.
This partnership, according to Chow, is a testament to a shared vision of excellence, innovation, and commitment to enhancing hospitality in Penang.
Datuk Seri Kenny Ong, chairman of the MTT Group of Companies, and Choe Peng Sum, chief executive officer of the Pan Pacific Hotels Group, signed on behalf of their respective companies.
Among the distinguished guests present were state executive councillor Wong Hon Wai and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Rajendran Anthony.
The MTT Group, formed in 1963 and noted as a pioneer and leader in logistics, has expanded its interest in various sectors, including property development, education and hospitality.
Ong said in March this year, MTT Group acquired the hotel and then embarked on a thorough search for an ideal partner to elevate this property to new heights.
He said they encountered many potential operators and were impressed with the professionalism and philosophy that Pan Pacific Hotels Group upheld.
“However, the main ingredient that has led to today’s ceremony was down to one critical factor – the people. From the very initial stages, every single representative from PPHG that we met instilled confidence and comfort that we were in the right hands,” said Ong, who also commended his three children for their efforts in striking a partnership with PPHG.
He congratulated Choe for leading an extraordinary team and expressed his excitement about the collaboration.
Ong also outlined the transition process: on September 1, 2024, the hotel will officially become the Gurney Bay Hotel, a Parkroyal Partner Hotel. Following the completion of renovations, which is expected to take between 18 and 24 months, the hotel will be rebranded as the Parkroyal Gurney Bay Hotel.
Choe reciprocated by thanking MTT Group for selecting PPHG as its partner and expressed confidence that their strategic collaboration would result in a distinctive hotel that would positively contribute to Penang’s hospitality landscape.
He also praised the Penang government for CNN’s listing of Penang as one of the top destinations to visit in 2022, the UNESCO status awarded to George Town, the increasing tourism figures, the Penang2030 Vision, including the development of Gurney Bay as the iconic waterfront destination, and the upcoming expansion of the Penang International Airport.
“Pan Pacific Hotels Group is excited to operate Gurney Bay Hotel, a PARKROYAL Partner Hotel, our second in this state and 7th in Malaysia, a portfolio which includes hotels, resorts, and serviced suites.
“Within the first six months of 2024, our group opened PARKROYAL Services Suites in Jakarta in January, PARKROYAL A’Formosa Melaka Resort in February, and Pan Pacific Jakarta in June, with 12 more in the pipeline, in addition to our network which spans 30 cities in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and Africa,” Choe said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissal Thian
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis