By V. Sivaji
The Ascott Group is confident of growing its brand in Penang. With some 15 hotel brands under their stable, they have rebranded from Sky Residence Prai to Citadines Prai Penang (CPP).
With this, they already have three hotels in Penang, namely, Ascott Gurney Penang, Citadines Connect Georgetown and now Citadines Prai Penang.
On the horizon are the Citadines Tanjong Tokong and Harris Sunshine Penang in Ayer Itam. Another new brand, Oakwood will feature in Penang by the end of the year.
Present to officiate by CPP was Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow.
Present was the managing director of Exopuri Group, Ng Kock Leong State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Yeoh Soon Hin, YB Chong Eng, YB Soon Lip Chee, Country general manager of Ascott Group Mondi Mecja, Penang Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), Jonathan Freddy Bagang, Tourism Malaysia Northern Region deputy director Siti Hajar, Ms Mary Ann Harris among others.
Chow signed a plaque to make the rebranding followed by a traditional Chinese drums performance.
He congratulated Exopuri Group of Companies and Ascott Malaysia on the revamp to the Citadines brand.
“In the early days this area was used for workshops and stationing of lorries, however now, it is a booming business area. The future of Penang is in the mainland of Penang.
“The state government is working hard to intensify industrial development and to bring in investment. Now the Batu Kawan is a world-class E&E hub. The Seberang Perai area has a plethora of development and tourism opportunities,” he said.
Yeoh in his address shared that he was on hand to launch the Citadines Connect Georgetown a few months ago.
“Mr Mondi Mecja had promised me that he would bring more Ascott brands to Penang and he has kept his word. It is a pleasure to see positive developments in the hospitality industry in Penang.
“This will ensure an economic spillover to all Penangites. We will also tap the potential of alternate tourism products and suites,” said Yeoh.
Mondi Mecja, Ascott’s Country General Manager for Malaysia, cited “Citadines has proved tremendously popular in the region and the revamp showcases our commitment to providing the highest quality in lodging options across Malaysia. As guests travel, live, and discover with Ascott, we are excited to offer them a versatile range of properties to cater to all their hospitality needs, whether for business or leisure travel, bringing forward a robust experience of world-class services in the hospitality industry”.
He also added that as part of the “For the Love of Coffee” programme, Citadines has partnered with local communities to deliver unique coffee experiences to guests, wherever they are in Malaysia.
