PARKROYAL Penang Resort has secured the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Hotel Multi-site Certification, joining four other Pan Pacific Hotels Group properties in Malaysia that received the same recognition following an independent audit by Control Union Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
For a resort sitting along the shores of Batu Feringgi, the certification carries particular weight. Much of what the resort has built over the years ties directly to the stretch of coastline it calls home.
The resort plants Scaevola Taccada, commonly known as beach cabbage, along its grounds as a natural erosion barrier. It is a small but deliberate choice, one that reflects how the resort approaches its responsibility to the environment around it. Refillable water stations sit near the pools. Recycling bins are placed across public and garden areas. Soap and shampoo dispensers carry vegan, cruelty-free products. Solar-powered lighting surrounds the main pool, and most of the resort’s lighting has been upgraded to LED.
Water conservation runs through the property’s daily operations, supported by sustainable irrigation practices across its gardens.
The resort’s Garden Nature Tour gives guests a closer look at local biodiversity, herbal gardens, and how the property manages its green spaces. It is the kind of offering that turns a stay into something more than a holiday.
The effort has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Malaysia’s National Landscape Department named PARKROYAL Penang Resort as National Champion for Hotels and Resorts in Landscape. The GSTC certification now adds an international benchmark to that recognition.
Culture sits alongside conservation at the resort. Associates wear batik uniforms designed by local artists. During Ramadan, guests are treated to traditional Wayang Kulit and Gamelan performances, keeping Malaysia’s performing arts visible and alive within the resort’s calendar.
The certification is part of a broader achievement for Pan Pacific Hotels Group, which secured GSTC Hotel Multi-site Certification across all five of its Malaysia properties. The full list includes PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur, PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur, and PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort. This follows similar multi-site certifications the group earned for properties in Singapore, Australia, Jakarta, and London.
Allan Wong, Country General Manager, Malaysia, said, “This GSTC Hotel Multi-site Certification is a significant milestone for our Malaysia properties. It reflects the dedication and shared commitment of our teams across all 5 properties to operate responsibly, reduces our environmental footprint, and creates positive impact for the communities we serve, while delivering meaningful and sustainable guest experiences.”
Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, said, “We congratulate Pan Pacific Hotels Group on the certification of all their properties in Malaysia, marking an important milestone in their sustainability journey. Achieving GSTC Certification through an Accredited Certification Body demonstrates a clear commitment to responsible tourism, advancing sustainability across the hospitality sector.”
Pan Pacific Hotels Group manages more than 50 hotels, resorts, and serviced suites across the Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, and PARKROYAL brands in 30 cities across Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe. It is headquartered in Singapore and is a member of UOL Group Limited.
