PENANG is set to attract the growing number of Middle Eastern tourists to the state following the introduction of an Arabic booklet and brochure.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said it was a significant step in Penang’s efforts to attract more visitors while generating growth in the tourism sector.
“This initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and creating memorable experiences for those who visit Penang.
“The Middle East is a growing source of tourism to many countries and I perceive that it is also one of the important markets that we should target.
“Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysia received about 400,000 visitors from the Middle East in 2019,” he said in his speech during the launching ceremony of the Arabic booklet and brochure.
Yeoh said Penang aspires to develop halal tourism to attract the Middle Eastern market to the state.
“It is my vision to tap into this market and create an unforgettable experience for our Middle Eastern visitors,” he said.
Yeoh noted the language barrier challenges faced by the Middle Eastern people.
“Hence, we have taken a step further by introducing an Arabic booklet and brochure. There will be two versions, which are the booklet version and the brochure version,” he added.
The Arabic trade booklet features compact information about Penang, ranging from a list of attractions, and accommodations to details of activities that can be conducted. It caters to the need of Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumers (B2C).
On the other hand, the brochure version is a summarised version of the booklet that will cater to the need of flexible independent travel (FIT) travellers. It presents the overall information of Penang from weather to places to stay to public transport.
Yeoh said this effort would enhance visitors’ experience as well as promote the state to Arabic-speaking visitors.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee