SEBERANG PERAI, July 1 — Penang’s tourism industry has claimed 12 honours across multiple categories at the Asian Tourism and Hospitality Awards 2025–2026, with state tourism leaders, hotels, attractions and convention venues recognised for excellence.
Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer G. Ashwin were among the recipients.
Wong received the Outstanding State Tourism Leader – Penang 2025 award, while Ashwin received the International Business Events Leadership Award 2025.
Other winners included Entopia, Goche Corporation, G Hotel, Citadines Connect, PICCA Convention Centre Penang, Holiday Inn Suites Penang Prai and Iconic Marjorie Hotel Penang.
G Hotel won two awards, while Holiday Inn Suites Penang Prai received three.
“This achievement is not merely a reflection of success, but a recognition of the sustained efforts of Penang’s tourism, hospitality and business event sector,” Wong said in his speech.
He said the inclusion of organisations from Seberang Perai among the winners showed that the mainland was attracting more business travellers and domestic tourists.
He said the Marriott brand is also establishing a hotel in Bertam, Kepala Batas.
“The target is mostly domestic tourists as we are getting travellers from other states and there is now a waterpark in Bertam,” he said.
Wong said the awards were a testament to the quality of Penang’s tourism and hospitality industry.
“Each winner represents the hard work and commitment of our industry players in delivering meaningful experiences, excellent service and world-class offerings,” he said.
He added that this was the second edition of the awards, organised by Tin Media.
Chief judge Datuk Khoo Boo Lim said the judging panel comprised international experts.
“The judges will determine the quality of the applications, and the awards is then open to a public voting system, so winners are decided through public vote,” he said.
