Penang becomes the first state in the country as well as in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region to launch the virtual reality (VR) platform to leverage on technology to promote tourism.
The VR technology will offer an immersive and engaging experience to tourists thus creating a more competitive advantage to Penang.
Present to launch the initiative at the Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Yeoh Soon Hin accompanied by tourism stakeholders.
Among them was Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director Shahrul Aman, Malaysian Association of Hotels, Penang Chapter chairman, Tony Goh, MAH national vice president Dato Khoo Boo Lim, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer, Ooi Chok Yan, state assemblyman for Pengkalan Kota YB Daniel Gooi, CMI general manager Datin S.Bharathi among others.
The VR technology is provided by KL based Fresnal Media Sdn Bhd.
This technology also makes it possible to “teleport” ourselves to the most remote corners of the globe without physically being there.
In his address, Yeoh said that this platform will offer fresh and accurate information about local businesses and points of interest.
“The technology wll offer an immersive and engaging VR solution and experience for tourists, thus creating a competitive advantage for Penang.
“We are the first state in Malaysia and also in the ASEAN region to embrace this technology which is easily accessible through smartphones, tablets or web access,” said Yeoh.
He also stressed that these technologies can also serve as a powerful and dynamic marketing tool for Penang, promoting the state;s tourism industry with the easy-to-use dynamic information overlay system.
Yeoh also demonstrated the working of the technology through a trial run for the benefit of those present.
For the record, Penang has welcomed 184 flights in December 2022 compared to 286 international flights in July 2019.
These exciting numbers underline the recovery of the tourism industry in Penang.