Kuala Lumpur: Iconic Worldwide Bhd’s newly launched Iconic Marjorie Hotel in Bayan Lepas, Penang is strategic to capitalize on the state’s dynamic meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector as well as the growing business and leisure, or pleasure, travel market. Strategically situated.
Group general manager Kevin Cheah said the iconic Marjorie hotel, which is part of Marriott International under the Tribute Portfolio brand, aims to increase its occupancy rate from the current 20% to 60% by the end of this year and above 80% by next year. Have to do.
The launch will be promoted by Marriott Bonvoy, one of the largest hotel loyalty programs for travelers with access to rewards at more than 7,000 hotels worldwide.
Elaborating on the Asia-Pacific travel market and Malaysia’s position in terms of tourism and visitor arrivals, Cheah said the country is seeing steady progress, especially to Penang, where new direct flights are being added almost every month. , mainly from China and India.
He said that this increase in connectivity plays an important role in promoting tourism.
“As we prepare for the Malaysia Travel Year 2026, Penang needs increased air connectivity, as direct international flights significantly reduce travel times and the inconvenience of transit from cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Bangkok. Let’s finish it.
“By flying direct to Penang, passengers enjoy greater convenience, which directly supports the growth of the tourism sector.”
Asked about possible improvements, Cheah said increasing the number of direct flights to Penang from major international destinations would help drive further growth in both travel and tourism.
“In the last two years, the government has opened up visa policies for China and India, and we have seen a tremendous increase in tourist arrivals from these countries. However, competition is fierce, with neighboring countries such as Indonesia and Thailand implementing similar measures.
“From the traveller’s perspective, streamlined visa processes significantly enhance convenience and make Malaysia a more attractive destination.
“For China, we have tailored our promotional materials and social media content in Chinese, beyond just English. We actively engage with Chinese bloggers and influencers to create livestreams and blogs showcasing our offerings. Additionally, we collaborate with online travel agencies like Trip.com, which specializes in the Chinese market, to broaden our reach and visibility.” sunbiz,
The Iconic Marjorie Hotel, which was developed with an investment of RM180 million, is the second hotel project by Iconic Group, a renowned Penang-based real estate developer. Iconic Group’s first hotel, the 195-room Iconic Hotel in Seberang Perai, Penang, opened in 2016.
Iconic Marjorie Hotel is located next to Iconic Regency, a newly launched freehold serviced residence comprising 268 units developed by Iconic Group. Both properties are strategically located in Sungai Nibong, a prime commercial district in Bayan Lepas.
The region is widely recognized as the “Silicon Valley of the East” due to its concentration of global technology giants and industrial prominence.
Notably, the iconic Marjorie Hotel is the first hotel in Penang to achieve the coveted Gold Standard within the globally recognized Green Building Index rating system, which promotes sustainability in the built environment.
By integrating energy-efficient features, using sustainable building materials and resources, and embracing design innovation, the hotel will set a new standard for environmentally conscious hospitality in Penang. It will reflect Iconic Group’s dedication to environmental, social and governance principles and sustainable real estate development.
In addition to accommodation, Cheah said, the iconic Marjorie Hotel offers comprehensive amenities and actively targets the MICE market.
“Our pillar-less ballroom can accommodate 800 guests, making it one of the largest ballrooms in Penang. We also have six additional function rooms, which can accommodate groups of 20 to 400 attendees and allow us to host a wide variety of events and conferences.
“To strengthen our MICE business, we have a dedicated team member focused on MICE marketing, working closely with key partners such as the Penang State Art Gallery and Convention Bureau, the Malaysian Tourism Board and Penang Global Tourism.
“Our strategic location near the Spice Arena puts us in a good position to benefit from the large exhibitions held there throughout the year. With modern facilities that meet and often exceed local standards, our ballrooms and event spaces offer a significant competitive advantage in attracting high-profile MICE events, Cheah said.
