PARTYGOERS welcomed 2020 in style at the state’s tallest iconic tower, Komtar!
The exciting New Year’s Eve Countdown Party started as early as 8pm, with non-stop music and dance performances by Chakora Band and The TOP dancers.
Those who arrived early did not miss the opportunity to take memorable photos with the Happy New Year 2020 backdrop at Window of The TOP in Komtar.
Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the state was listed by CNN Travel in June as one of the best destinations for visitors to enjoy the ultimate Asia experience.
“Penang is the ultimate holiday destination. We offer our visitors beyond sun and beach.
“We have exciting events happening all year round and we have an amazing diversity in culture, heritage, arts, food as well as natural surroundings.
“The tourism sector is one of the state’s main economic contributors.
“People love Penang. We received an all-time high of 7.79 million passengers last year (2018), an increase from 7.2 million passengers welcomed in 2017,” he said in his speech at the party on Dec 31.
Yeoh said that the ‘Experience Penang 2020’ campaign by Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage (Petach) was aimed at welcoming more visitors to Penang with exciting features and events in the year 2020.
“We hope to showcase the state’s splendour in nature, culture, heritage, food, and the arts through the ‘Experience Penang 2020’,” he said.
Yeoh also lauded The TOP Penang for being an active tourism industry player.
Also present were state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) Penang director Jonathan Freddy Bagang, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Tourism Malaysia (northern region) director Ahmad Husni Ahmad Basri, OWG Group Holdings Berhad founder and chief executive officer Tan Sri Richard Koh and chief operating officer Puan Sri Jean Koh.
The VIPs jointly launched the Visit Malaysia 2020 (Penang state level) during the event, before the night capped off with a grand fireworks display.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting