Leon Lee in turn highlighted that unlike Singapore and Hong Kong, Penang does not have a hotel at its airport, the Le Meridien Penang Airport will serve this purpose.

“We have a 1,000 strong marketing team and are confident that this project will serve well,” he added.

Later, Yeoh added that Marriott International, the largest hotel management company in the world and in Malaysia, is very excited to enter into partnership with Rackson Group to bring one of our premium brands, Le Méridien, to Penang. 

“This signing underscores Marriott International’s commitment to further growing its footprint across Malaysia which stands at 35 opened hotels and 17 brands, as at today

“We take this opportunity to congratulate Rackson Group, Mr. Kelvin Lor and Mr. Ng Lim Hon for their vision to build the 200-room Le Méridien Penang Airport that is strategically located within the Penang Gateway development. The hotel’s location adjacent to Penang International Airport will ensure high visibility amongst travelers in and out of Penang.

“The distinctive Le Méridien Penang Airport building design will immediately be a new landmark in Penang. This is not the 1st time Marriott International has worked with SA Architects, and we are looking forward to continuing the relationship, to bring Le Méridien’s distinct timeless chic design to Penang. 

“We are confident of the hotel’s success due to its location which is in close proximity to many notable local companies and MNCs, the loyalty of Marriott Bonvoy’s members today and the multi decade long term rise in travel among the newly minted global middle class, be it millennials seeking new culture adventure, or empty nesters seeking to reconnect with friends and family,” said Yeoh.

Also present was the MP for Bukit Mertajam Steven Sim and the state assemblyman for Pulau Tikus, Chris Lee.