THE Penang government is certainly committed to reenergise the tourism industry in the state that has been greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this is proven with various initiatives that have been introduced to help revive the domestic tourism in Penang.
“As an example, we are the first state in the country to initiate the ‘Penang Accreditation System’ for tourism operators who successfully comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP) to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
“Their SOP compliance also helps boost stronger confidence among the visitors coming to stay at hotels or visit tourist spots and shopping malls.
“On top of that, the state government has introduced a new website known as ‘Penang Travel Deals’ to serve as a platform for our hoteliers and tourist attractions to advertise their ongoing promotions.
“We have also been working with industry players to offer various promotions such as hotel packages and attractive deals to pull local tourists to the state.
“And we believe all these initiatives will help keep Penang ahead as one of the leading tourism destinations in Malaysia,” Chow said in his speech before officiating the opening ceremony of the Courtyard by Marriott Penang in George Town today.
Courtyard by Marriott Penang is a partnership project between Tropicana Corporation Berhad and Marriott International.
Located at Tropicana 218 Macalister building and dubbed as the first courtyard in the country, the new hotel consists of 199 smart and spacious rooms and suites, all-day dining restaurant and others.
Additional facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, an outdoor infinity pool, a ballroom that can accommodate up to 150 guests, eight state-of-the-art meeting rooms and one VIP room.
Courtyard by Marriott Penang general manager Subash Basrur said the hotel management would strictly comply with the SPO to ensure a safe environment for visitors and also to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
“Cognisant of the current pandemic, we are committed to delivering a safe yet welcoming experience for all our guests,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chow said the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Penang is in line with the Penang2030 vision.
“With the tourism industry as a fundamental pillar of the current and future socio-economic progress of Penang, we are convinced that the opening of the hotel is in line with our vision to transform Penang into an international and intelligent city.
“Penang is a location of choice for investors, tourists and a habitat of choice for those who desire stylish living.
“Thus, I have no doubt that Courtyard by Marriott Penang will be successful and continue serving tourists and visitors for many years to come,” he added.
Also present during the opening ceremony were and state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, state Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin and state Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
Other distinguished guests were Tropicana Group executive vice-chairman Tan Sri Tan Chee Sing, Tropicana Group managing director Dion Tan and Marriott International marketing area director Cindy Yoong.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud