PENANG has justified the approval of more hotels as it is in tandem with the rising influx of tourists into the state, especially from the business traveller’s segment.
State executive councillor in charge of tourism, Wong Hon Wai said that the growth of business travel demonstrates the need for more hotels.
There are now some 17,000 hotel rooms reportedly in Penang.
Speaking at a press conference to showcase the return of the V-conference under the global direct selling brand QNET, Wong said that the mega event is returning for the 30th consecutive year.
And this year, it is bringing in some 8,000 delegates from 21 countries, namely from the south Asian and ASEAN region.
Wong said that the state is planning ahead for tourism, hence the approval for more hotels, which is strategic and timely.
He said that the state is keen on capacity building to meet the anticipated demand from tourism with next year declared as "Visit Malaysia Year 2026”.
Wong said that the signature landmarks in Penang, are being boosted from the cable car to Penang Hill, cleanliness at its shorefront and the construction of the much anticipated Mutiara light rail transit (LRT) line.
The V-convention is QNET's signature gathering of its global distributors of healthcare and wellness products.
Its chief marketing officer Trevor Kuna said that Gen Z (young) now represent about 40% of its distributor line up namely because the young now opt to earn supplement income or prefer to work in the gig economy.
Kuna said that QNET provides such as a platform, as the young also need mentors to help guide them forward.
QNET will hold two editions of its gathering of distributors - one this weekend and another in September.
Last night, Wong also attended the Malaysian Budget and Business Hotel (MyBHA) Penang chapter's 20th anniversary dinner at the Ascott Gurney Hotel here.
MyBHA Penang chapter chairman Andy Lau urged the authorities to help regulate the short - term stay (homestays) in view of reports that illegal short-term stays continue to tarnish the hospitality industry.
His views were echoed by MyBHA president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel, who said that by enforcing strictly on such premises, the authorities can earn more revenue instead of just depending on the bona fide registered hotels, including from the budget and business - class. - June 21, 2025.
