DESPITE facing the Covid-19 pandemic challenges, the Penang government has tried it best to shore up its tourism industry through online platforms and digitalisation efforts.
When the pandemic struck, the tourism and hospitality sector was the hardest hit due to domestic and foreign travel restrictions.
In facing all these obstacles, the Penang government has consistently been promoting the state’s tourism through another medium rather than the conventional method.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin emphasised the importance of online platform as it helps to promote Penang’s uniqueness, culture and arts.
For instance, he said the Penang Travel Deals had been introduced to promote the various tourism products under one roof, through a digital platform.
“It includes places of interest, hotels and other well-known tourism products.
“Besides that, various roadshows are taking place to promote Penang’s tourism.
“For instance, the fourth edition of Penang Roadshow to India using the online platform had been held to ensure the state’s tourism remains attractive.
“Although this event could not be held physically due to Covid-19 pandemic, the state government has gone digital to ensure the continuity of tourism.
“In fact, this roadshow had received wide media coverage from India,” he said during the first day of Engagement Session at St Giles Wembley Hotel today.
Apart from that, Penang was also the organiser for the annual Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE), which was conducted virtually last year.
Yeoh said Penang, through the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), would organise the first ever Penang Virtual Roadshow to China 2021.
“This will create more business opportunities and promote Penang as one of the must-visit tourist destinations.
“Aside from this, Penang had participated in the MATTA Fair last year to keep domestic tourism alive and growing.
“Business to business session is also taking place as it is one of the ways to spark tourism,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad & Darwina Mohd Daud