LOKALOCAL, a Malaysian travel marketplace, has launched ‘There’s more in Penang: 100 Experiences in Penang’ campaign to attract visitors to the state.
Penang, well known for its diverse cultures and traditional arts experiences, foresees an influx of tourists in conjunction with Experience Penang Year 2020.
Speaking on this, state Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said Lokalocal was established by online travel agent (OTA) as a platform to link tourists with locals.
He explained tourists could access various workshops and programmes they are keen on through the website.
“There are a lot of activities including traditional craft workshops, shadow puppet, traditional joss stick making, wood carving and ‘bedak sejuk’ making.
“All these workshops are able to enrich the experiences of tourists who are able to experience and learn first-hand from the artisans whose skills have been passed down from one generation to another generation.
“As the exco for this portfolio, I want to make sure that tourism becomes a platform to bring economic benefits and revenue to the communities.
“We can ensure tourists get more authentic experiences and help to create job opportunities as well. This will definitely be a way for tourists to learn on how passionate and skilful our heritage traders are,” he said at a press conference in Mano Plus, Beach Street in George Town today.
Established in 2016, LokaLocal is the largest experienced-based platform in the country with over 500 tours and workshops.
It also works with event organisers to highlight festivals in the nation and offers a perspective for visitors to venture to.
Lokalocal chief executive officer Chin Yoon Khen said places of interest in Penang would be highlighted to attract millennial travellers to choose their destinations.
“In a digital tourism landscape, travellers are likely to rely on engaging photos, stories and videos to plan their next outing.
“It also focuses on building our own content to facilitate visual decision making,” Chin added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alvie Cheng