By V. Sivaji
The Association of Tourism Attractions Penang (ATAP) is currently hosting its Visit Penang Carnival 2026 at the Sunway Carnival Mall till this Sunday.
Officiating the event was Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai accompanied by ATAP chairman Dato Ch’ng Huck Teng and a host of guests.
The four-day showcase is offering booths from the various tourism attraction operators to promote Penang. A total of 15 booths are introducing various promotions and offers in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026/2027.In his opening address, Wong welcomed the carnival to promote Penang for domestic tourism mainly from the Northern Region, namely Perak, Kedah and Perlis.
“From promoting tourism attractions and enhancing visitor experiences to fostering greater collaboration within the industry, ATAP has always stood together with the Penang State Government. We have continued to inject fresh momentum into the sustainable growth of Penang’s tourism sector.
“This carnival also embodies the shared vision of the State Government, tourism stakeholders and our strategic partners to continuously promote Penang as one of Malaysia’s premier tourism destinations, allowing more domestic and international visitors to discover our rich cultural heritage, diverse tourism offerings and unique charm. Tourism has always been one of the key pillars of Penang’s economy. Beyond welcoming visitors, tourism creates employment opportunities, supports local businesses, preserves our invaluable cultural heritage, promotes our multicultural identity and contributes significantly to the prosperity of our communities.
“According to Tourism Malaysia’s Paid Accommodation Survey for the first quarter of 2026, Penang ranked among the top three states in Malaysia for international hotel guests, together with Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
“As 2026 is Visit Malaysia Year 2026, while attracting international visitors remains a key priority, it is equally important that we continue encouraging Malaysians to explore and appreciate the beauty of their own country. Domestic travellers remain an essential pillar of Penang’s tourism ecosystem, providing a stable visitor base throughout the year, supporting tourism-related businesses and ensuring the industry’s sustainable and resilient growth,” said Wong.
He also added the Sunway Carnival Mall. As one of the busiest shopping malls in Northern Malaysia, its strategic location and comprehensive retail offerings continue to attract visitors from Perlis, Kedah and Perak, making it an important regional hub that connects tourism, leisure and consumer spending across Northern Malaysia.
Meanwhile Ch’ng said that ATAP Visit Penang Carnival mainly focuses on promoting our local attractions, services and products to local Malaysians especially those living in Penang, Perlis, Kedah and north of Perak. We understand the importance of domestic tourism especially during the Covid 19 time when international tourism was at its minimum. It was the domestic tourism that supported us and the numbers were very, very encouraging.
“This carnival reflects what we can achieve when we share a common vision and work hand in hand to promote Penang as a premier tourism destination,” added Ch’ng.
Visitors can also enjoy the promotion by The Habitat at Penang Hill which is offering two exclusive promotions aimed at making meaningful nature experiences more accessible while encouraging greater public participation in conservation. Visitors can enjoy the popular “Bring a Friend for RM10” ticket promotion, allowing friends and families to experience Penang Hill’s iconic rainforest attraction together, as well as a special Buy 1 Free 1 Habitant Membership offer that invites more people to become part of its growing community of rainforest guardians.
Also present was Dr. Annuar Mohamed, Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture State Office of Penang, Zuraidah Abu Bakar, Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia Northern Region, Joseph Goh, Organising Chairman of the ATAP Visit Penang Carnival 2026, Dato’ Khoo Boo Lim, Vice President of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (National Board), Ooi Chok Yan, Chief Executive Officer of Penang Global Tourism, Dr Mary Ann Harris, Executive Director of the Penang Centre of Medical Tourism (PMED), Andy Chuah Teik Hin, Chairman of the Malaysia Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) Penang Chapter, Andy Lau, Chairman of the Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) Penang Chapter, Lau Kye Pinn, Deputy Chairman of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Penang Chapter among others.
