PENANG is actively promoting destinations beyond the UNESCO World Heritage Site in George Town, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai (PH-Paya Terubong) told the State Legislative Assembly at the State Assembly Building on Light Street today.
Wong explained that the state has been actively promoting areas such as Balik Pulau, Bukit Mertajam, Nibong Tebal, and Telok Bahang through initiatives like durian tourism and the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR), which spans from Penang Hill to the Telok Bahang forest reserve.
“This promotional campaign, called ‘The Opposite Side of the Island,’ highlights the unique attractions of these areas,” Wong said.
“We also have events in Seberang Perai, such as the Penang International Food Festival and the upcoming Penang Bridge International Marathon on Dec 15.”
In response to a supplementary question from Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubuk) regarding whether the state would consider imposing an entry levy for tourists visiting the George Town heritage site due to over-tourism, similar to measures in Venice, Wong said that it would be impossible to implement tolls on the many routes leading into George Town.
Moreover, he pointed out that visitors to Penang already pay double taxes – Tourism Tax to the Federal Government and Hotel Fees to the state government – which together could generate over RM20 million annually.
On a separate note, Wong announced that the direct train service from Penang to Bangkok will begin early next year. He mentioned that this initiative would strengthen transportation links between Penang and Thailand, helping to attract more Thai tourists to the state.
Wong made these comments in response to a question from Goh Choon Aik (PH-Bukit Tambun), who asked about the launch date of the direct train service and the state’s strategies to attract visitors from Bangkok.
Wong further explained that Penang Global Tourism (PGT) has implemented several strategies to promote Penang tourism, including leveraging direct flights from Bangkok and Phuket to Penang, targeted marketing campaigns, and partnerships with Thai travel agents.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis