In conjunction with World Tourism Day 2021 which is today Sept 27, 2021, the Penang Tourist Guides Association (TGA) held a virtual session to celebrate the occasion.
Among those who joined the session were members and supporters of the association which has been left dormant due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Lending support to the event as Penang state exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, Yeoh Soon Hin who made a short speech.
“We are hopeful that once the 90% vaccination level is achieved in the country, inter- state travel will be allowed. This will surely help the industry overall and the state.
“It is with great regret to note that the tourism industry has been affected in an unpresented way due to the pandemic.
“As we look forward to a better future, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy World Tourism Day 2021,” said Yeoh.
Meanwhile, as the session progressed, moderator Clement Liang made a short introduction of the programme ahead.
First to lead with a live virtual tour of Georgetown was tour guide Tiger Tatt who brought viewers on to the streets of Beach Street, Church Street, Chula Street, Kimberly Street, Penang Road, Esplanade, Carnarvon Road to explain the significance of the streets and their names.
This was followed by a session by Lillian Tong who addressed the audience with an in- depth explanation of the Peranakan culture in Penang.
Her virtual tour of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion brought forgotten information of the premises with regards to architecture, deco, jewellery, courtyard, garden and other features in the historic building.
She also touched on Kapitan Cina residence to explain the materials which were brought from places like Scotland, Europe, Middle East and other places in the world.
“Penang being a port was the place for different cultures to mix and exchange ideas,” she added.
Later, another tour guide, Nor Laila Abd Rozak took viewers on a mural art tour of Georgetown.
She also explained the first mural painted in Georgetown and the eventual growth of mural art in the city.
Most of the mural works were sponsored by Penang Island City Council which has blended well with its heritage city status..