Penang: Marriott International has partnered with Maritime Waterfront Suites Sdn Bhd to rebrand the Bertam Resort under the Tribute Portfolio brand as The Bertam, marking a significant development in the hospitality sector on mainland Penang.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Marriott International's Vice President of Hotel Development - Asia Pacific (excluding China), Andree Susilo, stated that the collaboration reflects a shared vision to introduce unique hospitality experiences to emerging destinations with substantial potential. The partnership is expected to boost room occupancy rates through access to Marriott's expansive global customer network, which includes more than 250 million members in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program worldwide, with nearly 100 million based in Asia. Approximately 60 percent of the hotel's business in Malaysia is generated by program members.
Susilo remarked that the hotel is an important addition to Marriott's portfolio in Malaysia, enabling the company to cater to the evolving needs of both leisure and corporate travelers. He noted that it also supports the group's continuous growth in high-potential markets across the region. The remarks were made during the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony, where Marriott International was represented by Susilo and Bertam Resort by Maritime Waterfront Suites Sdn Bhd's Managing Director, Datuk Mohamed Iqbal S. Habeeb Noohu. The ceremony was witnessed by State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee Chairman Wong Hon Wai.
The collaboration involves rebranding the five-star Bertam Resort, owned and managed by Maritime Waterfront Suites, which began operations in March 2023. It will become a Marriott collection brand known for its distinctive identity and guest experiences. Scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026, The Bertam will feature 282 rooms and will be the first hotel in Seberang Perai under the Marriott International network, complementing the group's presence in Penang.
Mohamed Iqbal described the partnership as a strategic evolution for the hotel, leveraging Marriott's network to diversify revenue streams. However, he mentioned that there are no immediate plans to expand the number of rooms due to space constraints, with the current focus on strengthening performance and service quality.
Wong highlighted that the hotel's inclusion in the Marriott network presents significant opportunities for Seberang Perai's tourism sector, noting that it is the first Marriott International property on mainland Penang. He pointed out that it provides access to millions of Marriott Bonvoy users worldwide, enhancing Bertam's profile as both a tourism and business destination, in line with efforts to balance growth between the island and the mainland.
The hotel is part of the 8.1-hectare Bertam Resort and Water Park Penang integrated development and is expected to offer 2,959 square meters of function space, including a grand ballroom, meeting rooms, a glasshouse, and various event venues. These facilities reinforce its position as a meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destination on mainland Penang. Existing amenities include a resort-style pool, fitness center, diverse dining options, a children's club, and other lifestyle facilities.