By V. Sivaji
The Mainland Consortium Meeting 2026, held at the PICCA Convention Centre, brought together some 100 participants from across Penang’s tourism and hospitality sectors, highlighting the growing importance and potential of the mainland as a vibrant tourism destination.
The meeting was chaired by State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai, who engaged with industry stakeholders on the opportunities, challenges and future direction of tourism development in Penang’s mainland.
Organised by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), led by its Chief Executive Officer Ashwin Gunasekeran and his dedicated team, the gathering provided an important platform for tourism players to exchange ideas, raise concerns and put forward suggestions on how the industry can be further strengthened.
Also in attendance were YB Wong Yuee Harng, Dato’ Khoo Boo Lim, Dr Annuar Mohamed, Director of Penang MOTAC, as well as representatives from various segments of the tourism ecosystem.
Participants included hoteliers, mall operators, transport providers, tourism attraction operators and other industry stakeholders. Their participation reflected the increasingly diverse tourism landscape of Penang mainland, which offers considerable potential beyond the island’s traditional tourism hotspots.
The discussions also underscored the need for greater collaboration among industry players to promote the mainland’s unique attractions, strengthen connectivity and visitor experiences, and encourage more tourists and delegates to explore destinations across Seberang Perai.
With its blend of heritage, nature, food, shopping, leisure and business-event facilities, Penang mainland is well positioned to complement the island and contribute to a more balanced and inclusive tourism offering for the state.
The meeting concluded on a high note, with participants adjourning for a hi-tea session and dinner. The informal gatherings provided valuable opportunities to strengthen camaraderie, build professional networks and foster closer collaboration among stakeholders.
Such platforms are important in bringing the state’s tourism fraternity together and ensuring that the voices of industry players on the mainland are heard as Penang continues to position itself as a leading tourism and business-events destination in the region.
