Holiday Inn Resort Penang Closes After Four Decades

Credit: Facebook

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Holiday Inn Resort, a well-known Penang hotel that has stood in Batu Ferringhi for over forty years, is the latest on the list of hotels made victim to the Movement Control Order (MCO).

What you need to know: Holiday Inn Penang announced its closure through its Hong Kong-based parent company IHG Hotels & Resorts. The hotel will continue to operate until June 30. The company’s extensive cost management measures during the MCO were not able to save it from closing down.

Why it matters: The MCO has been difficult on the nation’s economy, especially the tourism industry. Travel, hotel, and leisure sectors have been closed for close to three month, reporting zero income during this time.

Who said what:

This has been an extremely difficult decision for our owners who have been committed to Penang for over 40 years. The magnitude of this crisis has proven to be overwhelming and the continuation of business is no longer a viable proposition.
Asia Garden manager Jeff Yap

How it got here: Holiday Inn Penang is part of The Harilela Group, a hotelier company that also owns other hotel chains across the globe. Situated in at a strategic location facing the beautiful Batu Ferringhi beaches, Holiday Inn Penang had enjoyed a steady stream of tourists. Unfortunately, the MCO has put a halt on all tourism activities, which has resulted in many long-standing hotels to close shop.

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