THE Penang government has taken a huge step forward to map out the state’s tourism direction for the next 10 years.
The Penang Tourism Master Plan (PTMP), sharing similar acronym with the Penang Transport Master Plan, is an important component to support the Penang2030 vision.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the master plan represents a comprehensive tool for the state to develop the tourism sector from 2019 to 2030.
“It is important that this plan is aligned with the Penang2030 vision to strategically position Penang in the competitive international market,” he said after witnessing the signing ceremony between Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and YZD Planning & Consult at Jazz Hotel in Tanjong Tokong today.
PGT was represented by state Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin while YZD was represented by its principal consultant Badaruddin Mohamed.
YZD Planning and Consult was appointed to develop the Penang Tourism Master Plan.
Chow hoped that the consultant would have a ‘smoother journey’ in mapping out the state’s tourism direction.
Chow also listed out the strategies of the master plan; which are to position Penang as an international tourist hub, to manage sustainable tourism, to cultivate appreciation for heritage and to engage the community within the tourism economy.
Yeoh, earlier, said that a committee headed by him had been set up to coordinate the implementation and to advise on the content of plan.
“The preparation period for the proposal is six months starting from June. The consultant will develop a work plan outlining goals, objectives and strategies to address the challenges ahead,” he said.
Also present was Jazz Hotel general manager Khoo Boo Lim.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan
Video by Alvie Cheng