Marriott, Maritime Waterfront Rebrand Bertam Resort As The Bertam
KEPALA BATAS, May 5 (Bernama ) -- Marriott International has partnered with Maritime Waterfront Suites Sdn Bhd to rebrand Bertam Resort under the Tribute Portfolio brand as The Bertam, ushering in a new chapter for the hospitality sector on mainland Penang.
Marriott International vice president, hotel development - Asia Pacific (excluding China) Andree Susilo said the collaboration reflects a shared vision to introduce distinctive hospitality experiences to emerging destinations with strong potential.
He said the partnership is expected to lift room occupancy rates through access to Marriott’s global customer network, which comprises more than 250 million members under the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme worldwide, including nearly 100 million in Asia.
He added that about 60 per cent of the hotel’s business in Malaysia is generated by programme members.
“This hotel is a meaningful addition to our portfolio in Malaysia, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of both leisure and corporate travellers.
“It also supports our continued growth in high-potential markets across the region,” he told reporters after the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony here today.
Marriott International was represented by Andree, while Bertam Resort was represented by Maritime Waterfront Suites Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Mohamed Iqbal S. Habeeb Noohu. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai witnessed the ceremony.
The collaboration involves the rebranding of the five-star Bertam Resort, owned and managed by Maritime Waterfront Suites, which began operations in March 2023, into a Marriott collection brand known for its distinctive identity and guest experiences.
Scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026, The Bertam will offer 282 rooms and become the first hotel in Seberang Perai under the Marriott International network, complementing the group’s presence in Penang.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Iqbal said the partnership represents a strategic evolution for the hotel, leveraging Marriott’s network to diversify revenue streams.
However, he said there are no immediate plans to expand the number of rooms due to space constraints, with the focus instead on strengthening performance and service quality.
Wong added 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 said 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, part of the 8.1-hectare Bertam Resort & Water Park Penang integrated development, is expected to offer 2,959 square metres of function space, including a grand ballroom, meeting rooms, a glasshouse and various event venues, reinforcing its position as a meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination on mainland Penang.
Existing facilities include a resort-style pool, fitness centre, diverse dining options, a children’s club and other lifestyle amenities.
-- BERNAMA