GEORGE TOWN: Penang aims to strengthen its position as an international sports tourism destination through the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) and Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (PIDBR), with efforts to attract more overseas participants and generate greater economic benefits for local businesses.
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the Penang government was stepping up efforts to enhance both events through strategic venue selection, stronger private sector partnerships and wider international participation.
He said PBIM's starting and finishing points at Aspen Vision City in Batu Kawan, with runners crossing the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, offered participants a unique experience.
The venue change is expected to spread economic benefits to the mainland while stimulating local businesses and tourism activities.
Wong said PBIM had strengthened its global standing through recognition by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and its inclusion in the Abbott World Marathon Majors network from this year.
"The recognition enhances PBIM's international profile and gives the event greater exposure among runners worldwide," he told the state assembly on Thursday (Nov 5).
He added that efforts were underway to secure World Athletics Label Race status through cooperation with Malaysia Athletics and the Penang Amateur Athletic Association (PAAA).
He said PBIM continued to draw strong interest, recording more than 25,000 participants this year.
On the PIDBR, he said the event benefited from the move to Straits Quay Retail Marina from Teluk Bahang Dam in 2024.
The waterfront venue, with easier access and nearby commercial facilities, offered a more attractive setting for participants, spectators and visitors.
He said the state had decided to retain Straits Quay as the regatta's venue for this year to allow organisers and strategic partners to improve operations, facilities, crowd management and the overall experience.
This year, PIDBR attracted 68 teams comprising 22 Malaysian teams and international participants from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, Canada, the Philippines, Brunei, Japan, Liechtenstein, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
He said registration had to be closed early following strong demand.
Wong said the international turnout reflected the regatta's growing appeal and its potential to attract more athletes and visitors to Penang.
The state government was looking to develop dragon boat racing beyond the annual event by supporting local clubs, nurturing young talent and strengthening partnerships with national and international sporting organisations.
"This will help build a more sustainable dragon boat sports ecosystem and attract athletes and visitors to Penang throughout the year," he said.
Wong said the state was encouraging closer cooperation between event organisers, hotels, transport operators, travel partners, sponsors and tourism industry players.
He said both events had the potential to generate economic activity across accommodation, food and beverage, transport, retail and tourism sectors.
The presence of athletes, family members, supporters and spectators could encourage longer stays and visits to other attractions in Penang, benefiting local businesses.
He added that indicators such as international participation, spectator numbers, hotel occupancy, length of stay and visitor spending could be used to assess the events' economic impact and identify areas for improvement.
