By V. Sivaji
Penang based media members had the rare opportunity to meet the Tamil Nadu Minister of Tourism Mr R. Rajendran at his office in Chennai, India.
The media group was on a FAM trip to Chennai from March 3rd to 5th organised by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
Leading the trip was PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran and his team.
Also present was Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Yb Wong Yuee Harng who is also the director of PCEB.
The visit helped to forge better understanding and relationship with their counterparts in Chennai.
During the meeting Rajendran welcomed the delegation from Penang to Tamil Nadu.
“There has been a long standing understanding and relationship between Tamil Nadu with Penang and Malaysia.
“We also have many Indians who have migrated to Malaysia for better opportunities.
In turn, Wong said that the Penang State Government is serious about promoting tourism in both ways.
“We have brought media friends from the English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil media to share the information and opportunities in Tamil Nadu.
Ashwin said that Penang is where many Indians landed and set up bases. He added that PCEB has always promoted Tamil Nadu and other locations in India via various trade shows and promotions.
“We are also marketing both ways for the benefit of Penang and Tamil Nadu for business and leisure tourism too.
“In June or July we will also bring media members from Tamil Nadu to Penang,” he added.
Present at the meeting was Madam Shilpa Prabhakar Satish, Commissioner of Tourism & Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation or TTDC.
“We are also popular for medical tourism, UNESCO Heritage Sites and other scenic attractions in Tamil Nadu.
“We hope all of you had a good and memorable stay while here,” she said and in turn invited participants from Penang for their medical conferences and other up-coming gatherings.
Lending support was Madura Travel Service Private Ltd managing director Sriharan Balan and his team.
They were instrumental in the ground handling and tour arrangements throughout the FAM trip.
