GEORGE TOWN: A RM280-million four-star international hotel is set to be built on mainland Penang by 2021.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Exopuri Group of Companies had formed successful cooperation with InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) which would result in the first international brand hotel, known as Holiday Inn Juru Sentral.
He said the hotel would have a far-reaching economic ripple effect to spur the growth of Juru and southern part of Seberang Prai.
“The 35-storey hotel, with 288 rooms, will not only stand out but will be an outstanding structural indicator of how the future is like for booming Seberang Prai.
“I have on many occasions stressed that the future of Penang lies in Seberang Prai, and there are vast opportunities for economic growth and income generator for Penang in tourism, and in the meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) related industry.
“So what better way to further boost this economic generator than to have a hotel with a brand name of international stature and proven record of reliability with world-class facilities to meet the needs of local and foreign tourist as well as the key players of the different industries when it comes to MICE,” he told reporters at a press conference in his office here today.
Chow said the hotel would officially open its doors for business in the fourth quarter of 2021 with a total of 500 staff.
Exopuri managing director Ng Kock Leong said the hotel would target groups from businesses, factories and industries around mainland Penang.
“There was a vacuum for an international hotel in mainland Penang and we sought to fill it.” he added.