Pivoting and bouncing back from the Covid-19 pandemic is the only case for optimism for most businesses and industries, more so for sectors that are deeply impacted like travel.
The property developer recently launched Courtyard by Marriott Penang in partnership with Marriott International with the aim of boosting local economy growth and productivity, as well as employment in the tourism industry while we continue to battle Covid-19.
The launch was officiated by Chow Kon Yeow, chief minister of Penang in the presence of Tan Sri Danny Tan Chee Sing – group executive vice chairman, Alex Yeow – group CEO and Dion Tan – group managing director of Tropicana as well as Subash Basrur – general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Penang and Cindy Yoong – area director of marketing (SEA), Marriott International.
In his speech at the launch event, the chief minister of Penang said the state government is committed to re-energise its tourism industry as it is a fundamental pillar of the current and future socio-economic progress of the state to attract more investors and tourists, as well as those who desire to make Penang their home.
“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, its opening is in line with our vision to transform Penang into an international and intelligent city,” he adds.
Housed within the luxurious high-rise residential project Tropicana 218 Macalister, it is the first Courtyard by Marriott in Malaysia and the 17th Marriott International brand in the country. The new hotel comprises 199 smart and spacious rooms & suites with unobstructed vista of George Town and the Straits of Malacca. The all-day dining restaurant Penang Kitchen doesn’t disappoint with its mouthwatering menu and also not to be missed, the hotel’s star attraction – Penang’s first and only distillery-themed bar, Gin Library.
“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,” states Dion.
The Group also recognises that this is a challenging time for hotel operators, but Dion is confident with the ability of state and federal governments in combatting Covid-19, the local tourism industry is slowly recovering despite our international borders remaining closed.
Commenting on the outlook on the property market, Dion added, “We expect the market to rebound slowly, across the nation and especially in Penang, as it has always been popular among property buyers from Malaysia as well as other countries. 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. The introduction of the Home Ownership Campaign, removal of 70% financing limit for the third housing loan and also the lowering of the Overnight Policy Rate (“OPR”) to 1.75% by Bank Negara Malaysia will further spur the buying momentum.”
To celebrate the launch of the new property, guests can take advantage of the 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. For more information on the hotel and to book a stay, visit its website here.
This article was first published on Prestige Malaysia.
