Delegation of “Experience Penang” on their way to China
By V. Sivaji
A high level delegation from Penang’s tourism industry and stakeholders will take part in a roadshow in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong from May 22 to 27, 2023.
Dubbed “Experience Penang”, the entourage comprises some 40-members representing the hospitality industry, attractions operators, travel agents, medical facilities, wedding professionals and Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) agencies.
The initiative is supported by Southern China Airlines and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang.
Present at a press conference to announce the programme was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Yeoh Soon Hin along with the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang HE Zhou Youbin.
Also present at a press conference at the Eastin Hotel was the Vice Consul of the People’s Republic of China in Penang Ms Luo LingLing, China Southern Airlines Penang general manager Aaron Lau, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chapter chairman, Tony Goh, Ms Carolyn Leong representing Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents Association (MATTA) Penang Chapter, Dato Albert Tan representing Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association among others.
“China has always been one of Penang’s most important markets. Prior to the pandemic, Penang welcomed countless Chinese tourists to its shores every year and the Chinese tourists were among the top three arrivals in Penang.
“With the reopening of China’s borders, China Southern Airlines has resumed direct flights between Guangzhou and the Penang International Airport (PA) since March 1, 2023.
“The frequency of flights has increased from four times a week from the initial stage to once a day late April 2023 to cope with the growing number of China tourists coming to Penang. We also have long historical relations with China,” said Yeoh in his address.
To continue the momentum, the “Experience Penang ” roadshow will offer Business to Business (B2B) session to provide direct opportunity for industry players to learn about the latest information on Penang.
To maximise the exposure on Penang, the team will also advertise the beauty of Penang on Hong Kong’s iconic transport, the tram.
Meanwhile HE Zhou Youbin added that Chinese tourists are fond of travelling to Penang as there is a long history between the two countries in terms of language, food, heritage and culture.
“There are basically two kinds of Chinese travelers coming to Penang, one is those who come in groups organised by travel agents and the other is the flexible independent travel (FIT).
“The latter mostly consists of families who want to take their time and leisure tour of places of interest here. They spend more time in Penang too,” he added.
Among the Penang hotels who are sending representatives on the roadshow are The Granite Luxury Hotel, G Hotel, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, The Prestige, Berjaya Penang, Hotel NEO+, Cititel Penang, The Edison, Angsana Teluk Bahang, Eastin Hotel, The Wembley, Vouk Hotel, Teluk Bahang Hotel among others.
Press conference at the Eastin Hotel