GEORGE TOWN, Sept 2 (Bernama) – Seberang Perai is increasingly emerging as an important tourism destination and a vital second wing in Penang’s tourism development, complementing the more established attractions on the island.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Seberang Perai has distinctive strengths and tourism characteristics, including natural ecosystems, heritage, agricultural and rural tourism, local attractions and culinary experiences.
“Seberang Perai and Penang Island are not homogeneous tourism destinations. Each has its own strengths and characteristics, and the two can complement one another.
“By leveraging their respective strengths and developing tourism products according to local characteristics, Seberang Perai’s unique tourism resources can be transformed into marketable and attractive tourism products,” he said in a statement today.
Wong issued the statement after chairing the Mainland Consortium Meeting 2026 at PICCA Convention Centre in Butterworth, attended by more than 80 tourism industry players, including hoteliers, shopping mall operators, transport service providers and tourism attraction operators.
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WONG-SEBERANG PERAI (TOURISM) 2 (LAST) GEORGE TOWN
Wong said the state government and private sector have over the years developed new tourism products and attractions in Seberang Perai, including the Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery and Penang River Cruise.
“These initiatives by both the government and private sector are gradually enriching Seberang Perai’s tourism product portfolio, while further highlighting its diverse potential in nature, history, culture and leisure tourism,” he said.
He said the growing presence of international hotel brands in Seberang Perai also reflected industry confidence in its tourism and hospitality market.
Among them, Bertam Resort & Water Park Penang has signed a memorandum of understanding with Marriott International to introduce its Tribute Portfolio brand, marking Marriott International’s first hotel project in Seberang Perai.
Iconic Hotel Penang in Bukit Mertajam is also expected to reopen by the end of this year as Courtyard by Marriott Penang Icon City following a comprehensive refurbishment and rebranding exercise, while Crowne Plaza Penang Straits City and Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai have also established a presence in the area.
“The continued entry of international hotel brands not only reflects industry confidence in Seberang Perai’s tourism market, but also demonstrates that its tourism accommodation capacity and hospitality ecosystem are gradually taking shape,” Wong said.
He said the Penang Bridge International Marathon on Dec 13, which will start from Seberang Perai for the third time, is expected to attract more than 25,000 runners and their family members to Batu Kawan, boosting the local economy and giving further impetus to Seberang Perai’s tourism development.
– BERNAMA