IT’S another feather in Penang’s cap when it was recently ranked among the top 10 spot in the first-ever ‘Asia’s Best Awards 2022 – Top 10 Islands in Southeast Asia for 2022’
Tourism stakeholders, in particular, are pleased with the recognition given by the renowned tourism website Travel + Leisure, a resource for trip ideas, hotels, flight sales, city guides, and travel tips.
Buletin Mutiara spoke to several people, mostly tourism players, for their views. Below are their comments:
Datuk Ch’ng Huck Theng (Association of Tourist Attractions Penang (ATAP) chairman):
“First of all, I am very happy for Penang that it receives yet another accolade.
“And I think the state government, together with various tourist associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), have worked very hard through various initiatives to ensure the tourism industry in Penang rebound strongly.
“Even during the on-off lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone played their part to ensure that the state was ready to welcome tourists once the green light was given.
“And now, we can see that Penang has started to record positive tourism growth since the country’s borders were reopened.
“So, this is the result of everyone’s tireless efforts. And now seeing the progress, I think everyone should be congratulated.”
Tony Goh (Malaysian Association of Hotel (MAH) Penang chapter chairman):
“This is definitely very positive news for our tourism industry in the state.
“Such recognition will put Penang on international spotlight. It will attract even more international tourists.
“They will now see Penang as one of the must-visit island and this, in turn, will spur the tourism sector in the state.
“I also hope that there will be more international direct flights to Penang to boost and elevate Penang’s connectivity.”
Datuk Lim Mee Lee (Penang Hoteliers Association chairman):
“On behalf of the Penang Hoteliers Association, we are very proud of this recognition.
“That will definitely attract even more international tourists from around the world to Penang.
“And this will be the much-needed boost for the tourism industry that has taken a big hit during the Covid-19 pandemic in the past two years. I hope our state tourism industry will have a bright future.”
Raj Kumar (The Light Hotel Penang general manager):
“For all Penangites, the acknowledgment given by the travel website is something to be proud of. This is definitely a boost for our tourism industry.
“When more tourists visit Penang, the occupancy rate for our beach and city hotels will go up. We need that as our hotels were struggling for the past two years.”
Nur Syarmila Rastam (36, public servant):
“I am so pleased to hear that Penang has been named as the top 10 islands in Southeast Asia this year.
“It makes me so proud to be a Penangite.
“Penang has everything going for itself, from a caring head of state, friendly people, beautiful beaches to a myriad of delicious food.
“And I hope Penang will continue to achieve amazing things after this.”
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal