TOURISM in the current age is no longer just about food, rooms and strategic locations but also focused on sustainable practises, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said that sustainability or going green is a must on a list of tourists, who are eager to spend their money in a place which advocates proper environmental-friendly policies.
Speaking at the Penang Hoteliers Association (PHA) 68th anniversary celebration at the St Giles Wembley Hotel, Chow said the industry must go beyond traditional services by embracing sustainability, lifestyle, wellness, and cultural experiences.
“The state will continue to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and policies. But equally important, the hospitality sector itself must evolve to meet the demands of today’s travellers,” said Chow.
Travellers now want a large measure of green to accompany the leisure lifestyle associated with tourism, especially in this climate change era the world is in.
Chow highlighted that today’s tourists are no longer focused solely on rooms, food, and location.
Instead, they are increasingly seeking sustainable practices — whether in energy use, waste management, or community support.
“Hotels must adapt by providing memorable experiences that reflect modern values, rather than just offering rooms and amenities,” he added.
Chow also acknowledged the shift in the industry towards a greater emphasis on lifestyle, creativity, and cultural experiences, expressing confidence that Penang’s hoteliers are more than capable of rising to these new challenges.
State executive councillor for tourism Wong Hon Wai cited that Penang welcomed 8.23 million tourists in 2024, up from 7.27 million in 2023.
He also revealed that Penang greeted 8,237,072 hotel guests throughout 2024 — a remarkable surge of 13.3% from 2023’s 7,272,526 guests.
Even more striking, Wong said that the figures surpassed pre-pandemic levels — compared to 2017’s 6,381,751 hotel guests, marking an impressive 29% growth.
“This is a clear testament to the robust recovery and renewed vitality of Penang’s tourism industry. The hotel industry is an indispensable pillar in the tourism supply chain of Penang. Its role is vital, its contribution irreplaceable,” Wong said.
PHA president Foong Hon Beng noted that the state’s infrastructure development has injected new momentum into the tourism sector.
With Airbnb and short-term rentals becoming a significant part of Penang’s tourism landscape, Foong urged the government to introduce a registration framework for short-term rental operators.
He said the move would provide more accurate data on visitor arrivals, enable better policy and market planning, enhance safety for tourists, reduce unregulated risks, and establish a fair and transparent system that increases tax contributions and channels resources back into tourism development. - August 25, 2025.
