GEORGE TOWN: Penang has once again cemented its reputation as one of Asia’s premier tourism and hospitality destinations after securing an impressive 12 awards at the Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2025–26. The accolades, presented during a ceremony at Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on 14 May, recognise the state’s excellence across tourism, hospitality, heritage, convention facilities and business events.
The achievement was celebrated during a press conference led by Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai, together with Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) Chief Executive Officer Ashwin Gunasekeran. The event honoured Penang-based organisations and industry leaders whose contributions continue to elevate the state’s standing as a competitive tourism and business events destination in Malaysia and across the region.
Speaking at the event, Wong described the awards as a reflection of the dedication, innovation and resilience demonstrated by Penang’s tourism and hospitality industry. He said the recognition highlights the collective efforts of hotels, attractions, convention venues and tourism operators in delivering exceptional visitor experiences while reinforcing Penang’s position as a vibrant destination for leisure travel, heritage tourism and international business events. He added that the achievements are aligned with the state government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Penang’s tourism and creative economy through industry collaboration, destination development and greater global visibility.
Echoing the sentiment, Ashwin said the 12 awards represent not only individual achievements but also the continued growth of Penang’s business events ecosystem. He noted that the state’s world-class hospitality offerings, convention facilities, heritage attractions and industry partnerships have enabled Penang to remain a preferred destination for conferences, exhibitions, corporate events and leisure travellers alike.
Among the major winners was Wong Hon Wai, who received the Outstanding State Tourism Leader – Penang 2025 award, while Ashwin Gunasekeran was honoured with the International Business Events Leadership Award 2025 in recognition of a decade of transformational leadership. Nature attraction Entopia was named Leading Tourist Attraction of the Year – Malaysia, while Goche Corporation secured the Leading Heritage Tourism Product of the Year – Malaysia award.
Penang’s hospitality sector also enjoyed significant recognition. G Hotel Gurney received two prestigious awards for Leading Luxury Hotel of the Year – Malaysia and Leading MICE Venue of the Year – Hotel Category. Citadines Connect Bertam Georgetown Penang was recognised as Leading New Urban Lifestyle Hotel of the Year – Malaysia, while PICCA Convention Centre Penang was named Leading Convention Centre of the Year.
Holiday Inn Suites Penang Prai emerged as one of the biggest winners of the evening, collecting three awards, including Leading Business Events Destination Hotel – Malaysia, Leading Hotel General Manager of the Year – Northern Region and Leading New Hotel of the Year – Malaysia. Meanwhile, Iconic Marjorie Hotel, Penang – a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, was recognised as the Leading Conference Hotel of the Year – Northern Region, Malaysia.
The awards underscore Penang’s continued success in developing a vibrant tourism ecosystem that combines world-class hospitality, heritage experiences, business events infrastructure and innovative destination offerings. As the state continues to attract both domestic and international visitors, these recognitions further reinforce Penang’s position as one of Malaysia’s leading tourism destinations and a key hub for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) in the region.
