Expert analysis: Gasik explaining to tour agency representatives on how to differentiate types of durian in George Town. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s durian has a uniquely soft texture and floral taste, making it very special compared with others worldwide.
According to the author of The Durian Tourist’s Guide To Penang, Lindsay Gasik, the durian’s special texture and taste make it unique and exclusive to Penang.
“We have been to many countries to try out durian, and Penang fruits certainly have a very different flavour and profile compared with the others,” she said.
What makes the king of fruits lovely and unique is its soft texture and its floral flavour, said the self-taught durian specialist.
Gasik, 33, is a tour organiser who conducts durian tours in Malaysia and around South-East Asia for those who love this fruit.
She first tasted the durian when she was 20 in her hometown in Oregon, the United States, and loved its taste.
“I became curious about the fruit. So, I decided to travel to look for durians. Indonesia was my first stop,” she said.
Asked which countries’ durians taste better, Gasik said each region or continent was unique on its own.
Yesterday, Tourism Malaysia launched its Durian Tourism Package at the Hin Bus Depot.
Gasik and her husband, Richard Koivusalo, 35, were among the guests at the event.
Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Zainuddin Abdul Wahab said 500 durian-related packages would be up for grabs during the campaign ending on Aug 31.
“Those who buy the package will be given a 10% discount. The campaign is meant to promote durian in the northern region.
“The package combines eco-tourism, agro-tourism, archaeotourism and extreme adventure.
“The programme aims to revitalise domestic tourism and contribute to economic growth. We expect a revenue collection of RM100,000 in this campaign,” he said.
Zainuddin said Tourism Malaysia was in partnership with five tour agencies in the northern region to ensure the programme became a success.
The packages include a two-day-one-night stay package at RM290 per person and a three-day-two-night package at RM388 per person.
There must be a minimum of four people for each package.
“We hope the campaign promotion will be expanded and involve more tour agencies, not only states in the northern region, but other states in Malaysia,” he said.
