4 September, GEORGE TOWN – Property developer Tropicana Corporation Berhad (Tropicana or Group), in partnership with Marriott International today launched Courtyard by Marriott Penang to further energise the tourism industry, increase employment opportunities and in turn, boost the local economy.
Located at the Group’s luxurious high-rise residential project Tropicana 218 Macalister in the heart of Penang’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the first Courtyard by Marriott in Malaysia and the 17th Marriott International brand in the country. This new hotel consists of 199 smart and spacious rooms and suites that boast unobstructed views of George Town and the Straits of Malacca; all-day dining restaurant, Penang Kitchen, that culinary delights; and Penang’s first and only distillery-themed bar, Gin Library.
The launch was officiated by Yang Amat Berhormat Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang. Also present were Tan Sri Dato’ Tan Chee Sing, Group Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Alex Yeow, Group Chief Executive Officer and Mr Dion Tan, Group Managing Director of Tropicana as well as Mr Subash Basrur, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Penang and Ms Cindy Yoong, Area Director of Marketing (SEA), Marriott International.
“The Penang state government is certainly committed to re-energise our tourism industry. We have introduced various initiatives to help revive the tourism industry and we believe these initiatives will help keep Penang ahead as one of the leading tourism destinations in Malaysia. I am delighted that the Courtyard by Marriott is now part of the Penang experience for our visitors. With the tourism industry as a fundamental pillar of the current and future socio-economic progress of Penang, the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott is in line with our vision to transform Penang into an international and intelligent city that is a a location of choice for investors, a destination of choice for tourists and a habitat of choice for those who desire stylist living,” said Yang Amat Berhormat Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang in his speech at the launch.
Additional facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, an outdoor infinity pool overlooking Penang Hill, and dynamic public spaces created to help guests transition seamlessly from work to restful moments. It also comes with a pillarless ballroom that can accommodate up to 150 guests, eight state-of the art meeting rooms and one VIP room, each fitted with the latest audio-visual equipment. It is easily accessible and just a stone’s throw away from Penang’s renowned hawker stalls as well as the Komtar building, leaving tourists and visitors spoilt for choice.
“It gives us great pleasure to launch our country’s first Courtyard by Marriott here in Penang. The introduction Courtyard by Marriott at Tropicana 218 Macalister marks the launch of our second hotel from the Marriott Group, in line with our strategy to strengthen our investment portfolio and increase our recurring income stream. We recognise that this is a challenging time for hotel operators, however with the support and swift action from both state and federal governments in controlling and combating Covid-19, we are optimistic that the local tourism scene is slowly but steadily recovering even as our international borders remain closed,” said Mr Dion Tan.
Despite the onset of Covid-19, the tourism sector in Penang has witnessed steady growth in domestic tourism. As interstate travel restrictions relaxed, there have been gradual increase in the number of tourists visiting the island give the attractive promotions that provide significant savings for locals.
“We are excited to welcome guests to the first Courtyard by Marriott Penang! Malaysia is a beautiful country and Penang being the Pearl of the Orient, presents its own unique combination of modern and old-world charm that continues to attract not only international travellers but also, domestic tourists who never tire of the sights and sounds of this island. Cognisant of the current pandemic, we are committed to deliver a safe yet welcoming experience that inspires and re-energises guests. The Courtyard by Marriott Penang complies with all the local regulations, as well as Marriott’s Commitment to Clean program, which deploys a multi-pronged approach to elevated cleanliness standards,” said Mr Subash Basrur.
In conjunction with the launch, tourists and visitors can now avail themselves to special opening rates which start from RM300 nett per room per night, with complimentary high-speed WiFi for stays from September 3, 2020 till December 23, 2020.
The hotel is sited at Tropicana 218 Macalister, which is a high-rise residential project on 2.09 acres of prime freehold land in George Town’s bustling business district with total gross development value (GDV) of RM334.7 million. It boasts an overall design and layout that embraces contemporary lifestyle living, in a town setting, a concept that that is synonymous with the Tropicana brand. The development offers customers with 211 units of versatile Neo suites, 88 units of serviced residences and 20 units of retail shops.
Commenting on the outlook on the property market, Mr Dion Tan added, “We expect the market to rebound slowly, across the nation and especially in Penang, as it has always been popular among property buyers – Malaysians and foreigners. We believe that there will still be demand for properties in prime locations with attractive pricing, innovative ownership package and offerings, especially for first-time homebuyers. With the introduction of the Home Ownership Campaign, removal of 70% financing limit for the third housing loan and also the recently lowering of the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) to 1.75% by Bank Negara Malaysia, this will further spur buying momentum over the short-term.”