PENANG’S mainland is emerging as an important tourism destination and will gradually become indispensable to the state’s “two-wing” tourism development.
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said over the years, the Penang government and private sector had been actively identifying, developing and creating new tourism products and attractions in Seberang Perai.
“One example is the Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery.
“It brings together history, archaeology and heritage resources through modern infrastructure and exhibition techniques, transforming valuable archaeological discoveries into a cultural tourism product,” Wong said in a statement.
He said the private sector had continued to explore Seberang Perai’s existing natural and cultural resources.
“These initiatives are enriching the tourism product portfolio, highlighting its diverse potential in nature, history, culture and leisure tourism.
“Its rivers, wetlands and natural ecosystems, agricultural and rural tourism offerings, local attractions and culinary experiences could inject distinctive new elements into Penang’s tourism industry that differs from those found on the island.
“These resources offer considerable room for us to further diversify Penang’s overall tourism product portfolio.”
Wong said the Penang Bridge International Marathon scheduled for Dec 13 would be the third time the marathon would start from Seberang Perai.
He said about 25,000 runners and their family members were expected to throng Batu Kawan, boosting the local economy.
“By connecting the many distinctive tourism attractions and products across Seberang Perai, we can move beyond the appeal of individual attractions towards complete tourism routes and integrated travel experiences.
“This will enable us to gradually build a comprehensive, attractive and competitive tourism product ecosystem for Seberang Perai,” he said after attending the mainland consortium meeting at Picca Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena, which brought together some 80 representatives from various sectors of the Seberang Perai tourism industry.
Wong said the meeting aimed to consolidate industry efforts, integrate Seberang Perai’s tourism resources and establish a regular platform for tourism industry players to engage, exchange ideas and share resources.
“I received feedback from industry stakeholders on the ground to pool ideas and chart the future development of Seberang Perai tourism.”
The meeting brought together tourism industry players from various sectors in Seberang Perai, including hoteliers, mall operators, transport service providers, tourism attraction operators and other industry stakeholders.
