PENANG is preparing itself to boost the tourism sector through the Penang Tourism Master Plan (PTMP) when it is ready.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said domestic tourism in Penang has witnessed a great comeback, bringing a huge relief for tourist operators.
“Penang has quickly recovered from the domestic tourism slump due to the various initiatives undertaken by YB Yeoh Soon Hin (state executive councillor for Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage) and his team for the past few months.
“Thus, I believe it is important for us not to neglect domestic tourism as it plays a pivotal role to the state’s economic health.
“The blueprint, which was supposed to be completed earlier, is delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Perhaps now, the element of crisis management can be included in the plan,” Chow told a press conference at the conclusion of Penang Tourism Master Plan engagement series with various stakeholders at Hotel Royale Chulan today.
Apart from that, Chow also stressed that the blueprint would also help to revive other sectors apart from the tourism industry.
“This masterplan is not only for the state government, but also caters to all the other sectors and the industry players in the state.
“I believe that YB Yeoh’s office can engage all the state agencies for a better understanding on the plan.
“Each sector should seize the opportunity pertaining to the masterplan and reflect on the roles that they can play.
“Hopefully by the end of the year, this masterplan will be ready and bring much benefit to our social economic development.
Also present were Yeoh and Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan.
Meanwhile, YZD Planning and Consult (YZD) principal Prof Dr Badaruddin Mohamed said even when the pandemic is over, domestic tourism should be always prioritised.
“We have more repeat domestic tourists than repeat international tourists coming to Penang.
“Thus, domestic tourism is extremely important,” said Badaruddin during his presentation at the session.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Alvie Cheng