Summary
- Penang ranks eighth among Asia’s top meeting cities.
- State climbs to fifth place among Asia’s holiday destinations.
- Several Penang hotels receive international travel recognition.
GEORGE TOWN, October 24 — Penang has entered Asia’s Top 10 Cities for Meetings for the first time, sharing eighth place with Bangalore in Smart Travel Asia’s 2026 Best in Travel Poll.
The state also climbed two positions to fifth place among Asia’s top holiday destinations, alongside Chiang Mai, Macau and Shanghai.
Several Penang hotels received recognition, including Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, which ranked second among family hotels, and Soori Penang, which placed second among new hotels.
Eastern & Oriental Hotel ranked sixth among wedding hotels, while 1926 Heritage Hotel secured ninth place in the new hotels category.
State Tourism Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the rankings reflected Penang’s growing appeal as a tourism and business events destination.
He added that continued investment in convention facilities and cooperation among tourism operators would help strengthen Penang’s competitiveness in the international meetings and exhibitions market.
