JUST when you think you’ve seen it all, Penang always never fails to offer new and unexpected discoveries.
A day after launching the ‘Opposite Side of the Island – Seberang Perai campaign’ on the mainland, the state turned its attention to promote exciting and fun tourist attraction spots in Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang on the island.
The launch of the ‘Opposite Side of the Island – Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang’ at Lexis Suites Penang in Teluk Kumbar on April 12 was officiated by state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin.
As part of the ‘Experience Penang’ campaign, the highlight of the launch was the Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang tourism product promotional video. It featured tourist attraction spots – from the traditional kampung houses, plantations, fishing villages, animal farms and padi fields to Tropical Spice Garden, ESCAPE Penang and many others.
“Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang are two locations that have extremely different unique experiences to offer for visitors.
“With more tourists visiting these peripheral areas, we can also spread the economic impacts of tourism to second-tier areas, while addressing the overconcentration of tourists in the inner city of George Town.
“This eventually will ensure a balanced and sustainable economic growth for our industry players, leading towards tourism sustenance in general.
“The launch today, especially the promotional video, is part of the state government’s marketing material, aimed at enticing visitors to make Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang part of their travel itinerary.
“This video will complement other promotional videos we have in the pipeline to ensure a holistic marketing coverage so that no stone is left unturned,” Yeoh said during his speech.
He also added that the state is currently in talks with airlines, hoteliers, attraction spot operators and other key players within the tourism ecosystem, to collectively brainstorm ideas and potential campaigns to further elevate Penang’s attractiveness as a tourist-driven state.
Among those present during the launch were Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Chief Minister Incorporated deputy general manager Bharathi Suppiah and Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture (Motac) Penang director Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Ahmad Adi Muhammad