MULTILINGUAL travel brochures are now available for visitors and travellers to Penang, making it easier for them to explore the state’s attractions.
The brochures come in 14 languages, namely English, Malay, Tamil, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Arabic, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, German, French and Spanish.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said that with Penang becoming a more popular tourist destination, the state is working hard to improve the visitor experience.
“While Penangites are known for their linguistic versatility, these multilingual promotional materials will showcase the cultural diversity and inclusivity of Penang.
“These practical and user-friendly brochures cover all aspects of Penang island and Seberang Perai, offering itineraries, highlighting Penang’s iconic attractions, and providing comprehensive information for visitors.
“This initiative will make visitors from different linguistic backgrounds feel truly welcome,” Wong said during his speech at the launching ceremony of the Multilingual Penang Travel Brochures and Merdeka Deals at St Giles The Wembley Hotel today.
Wong also highlighted that in Penang, it is common to see Malays and Indians conversing fluently in Mandarin or Hokkien with the Chinese community, while Chinese locals frequently exchange greetings in Bahasa Malaysia and basic Tamil with other communities.
He affirmed that these interactions reflect the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures.
“For tourism industry players, these brochures are valuable tools for engaging with international tourists,” he added.
Apart from that, Wong also shared that international flights to Penang had increased significantly from 255 in the first half of 2023 to 299 in the first half of 2024, reflecting a growth of 17.25%.
“Currently, Penang has direct flights to 17 international cities, including Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Haikou (charter), and Chongqing (charter).
“More direct flights will be added throughout the year,” Wong who is also the Paya Terubong assemblyman said.
The link to the softcopy of the brochures can be accessed at https://mypenang.gov.my/downloads/?lg=en.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad