Focusing on its appeal for culture, heritage, food, and nature, Penang aims to grow the Asia market.
Amid a V-shaped recovery in inbound travel, Penang State Executive
Councillor for Tourism & Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai, who assumed
the top tourism post for the Malaysian island state in August this
year, is optimistic of the destination’s tourism prospects.
The buzz is returning
International airlines are adding and re-establishing connections
with Penang. China’s Xiamen Airlines has mounted thrice-weekly flights
from Xiamen since September, while Qatar Airways resumed daily services
to Penang via Phuket from 29 October. Malaysia’s Firefly has since 3
November launched five times weekly flights between Bangkok’s Don Mueang
and Penang.
Penang has also attracted a steady crop of international hospitality
chains, including the upcoming Iconic Marjorie Hotel, which will be part
of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio when the 298-room property opens its
doors near Sungai Nibong by mid-2024.
On the attractions scene, Penang Hill will soon welcome a cable car
system, opening up a new way for visitors to visit the iconic site
besides the existing ways via the almost 100-year-old funicular railway,
jeep or hike, according to Wong.
Meanwhile, the Penang International Airport is scheduled to undergo
an expansion drive while the Gurney Bay, a waterfront attraction
covering about 53 hectares of reclaimed land, is set to open its first
phrase by end 2023.
Twin engines of growth
There is more to Penang than a destination established for its culture and heritage offerings, said Wong. Medical tourism
as well as education tourism are emerging sectors, as more visitors
from the region pick Penang for its affordability and quality offerings
in these segments.
“As the ‘Silicon of the East’, Penang has attracted many engineering and
semi-conductor conferences, and we’re seeing a surge of medical
conferences in recent years.” Penang State executive councillor for
tourism and creative economy, Wong Hon Wai.
Furthermore, the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre is set to open
as the island’s largest convention centre in two years’ time, adding to
the existing facilities of Setia Spice Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas
and PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena on the mainland.
All of these are positive factors that will help to grow Penang’s
standing as a tourism and MICE hub, added Wong. “Our strengths are “twin
engines of growth – manufacturing and tourism complement each other.”
Wooing Asians all year round
Focusing on its year-round appeal for culture, heritage, food, and
nature, Penang aims to grow the Asia market, particularly Southeast Asia
and China.
Wong also eyes India as a visitor source market, leveraging Penang’s
Indian heritage links such as Thaipusam celebrations to attract arrivals
from the world’s most populous country.
Further efforts will unfold as Tourism Malaysia gears up for Visit
Malaysia Year 2026, which was postponed from 2020, and Penang Global
Tourism will showcase “Experience Penang – the diversity of Asia”.
“I expect Penang to do well in five years,” Wong said, stating his expectations for higher tourism growth in the future.
In October 2022, Penang Global Tourism launched two innovative
campaigns aimed at broadening the experiences of international
travellers beyond the well-trodden paths. 'The Opposite Side of the
Island' spotlights Seberang Perai, situated on the mainland, showcasing
charming attractions like the picturesque Kampong Agong and the
expansive Mengkuang Dam. Meanwhile, 'The Other Side of the Island'
highlights Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang in the southwest, offering a
tapestry of natural wonders and immersive experiences with nutmeg,
durian, seafood, and pristine beaches.
Source: Travel Weekly Asia