Marriott International has announced plans to open 20 new hotels across Malaysia over the next five to ten years, aiming to expand its presence in the region.
Some notable upcoming hotels include The Millen in Penang, which is scheduled to open later this year, and the Sheraton Johor Bahru in 2025.
In addition, Courtyard by Marriott Subang and Marriott Residences Queens Waterfront in Penang are expected to be launched by 2029.
Ramesh Jackson, Marriott International area Deputy President for Indonesia and Malaysia, emphasized that Ipoh is a new destination for the group, with the growing market driven by increased flights from Singapore to Ipoh.
Marriott's expansion in Asia Pacific is driven by a post-pandemic travel surge and an increased focus on sustainability, as consumers are willing to shell out money for an eco-friendly experience.
Malaysia's tourism industry is also set to grow with several major events, including the ASEAN Summit in 2025 and the Southeast Asian Games in 2027.
The Visit Malaysia campaign in 2026 is expected to increase the tourism sector with the presence of 36 million visitors, reflecting the country's optimistic outlook for the tourism sector.
