THE tourist attractions in Penang have started to record a positive growth of their business operations since the interstate travel ban has been lifted.
Association of Tourist Attractions Penang (ATAP) chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng said the response so far has been very encouraging.
“The number of domestic tourist arrivals is going up, especially during the weekend. We can see an influx of tourists to the state.
“And we are doing very good at the moment and grateful for that.
“If this momentum continues, then, we will be looking at a very good year end for domestic tourism in the state compared to the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he told Buletin Mutiara when contacted today.
Ch’ng also reminded tourism industry players in the state to practise responsible tourism by strictly adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Strict SOPs must be followed to ensure the safety of the customers.
“After all, their safety is our main priority to prevent and minimise any clusters from happening involving tourist attractions,” he added.
Ch’ng also urged the tourists to undergo Covid-19 screening before going for vacation.
“As we know Covid-19 self-test kits are quite cheap nowadays.
“As announced by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry yesterday, the test kits can now be obtained for as low as RM6.90 per unit.
“Thus, I hope our tourists also will practise responsible tourism by screening themselves first before coming to Penang.
“If both sides play their part, then, we are very sure that the tourism activity in the state will rebound once again to pre Covid-19 era,” said Ch’ng.
Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi said the science discovery centre has received a throng of visitors.
“The response so far is very encouraging and we are performing very well since the removal of the interstate travel ban.
“On normal days, we have about 50 to 100 visitors per day.
“And during the weekend and public holidays, the number could go up until 150 visitors per day.
“Mostly, our visitors are from Kuala Lumpur and neighbouring states. This is a good indicator for us after the reopening in October.
“At the same time, Tech Dome Penang also will introduce new exhibits and programmes this month. Stay tuned for the updates,” he said.
For Penang Tropical Fruit Farm owner Quah Ewe Kheng, he said the fruit farm has now started to get a good amount of crowd especially during the weekend.
“We also have reduced our ticket prices.
“Previously, it was RM30 for adult, RM20 for children and RM40 for international tourists.
“But now, we have set it at RM20 for adult and RM10 for children.
“Meanwhile, the ticket for international tourists (if any) is now set at RM20.
“This is only for a limited time. Once, the international border reopens, we will revise the ticket prices.
“But, until then, feel free to come here to see over 200 tropical and subtropical fruit trees and enjoy the beautiful scenery here,” Quah said.
As for Tropical Spice Garden in Teluk Bahang, the owner and managing director Katharine Chua is grateful that the business has started to pick up now.
“We have recorded a steady amount of visitors since the interstate travel ban was lifted.
“This is a good news for us as we have been hard hit by lockdowns and travel restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We also now have remodelled our business to include more events with our Spice Fam programme to engage more with our visitors and at the same time to boost our business as well.
“We also encourage the visitors to join our Spice Fam garden membership programme to be entitled to various benefits here.
“Memberships start from as low as RM25 per month, entitling one to unlimited entry to the garden, exclusive camping passes, as well participation in monthly activities, events and virtual classes or workshops from anywhere in the world.
“More information about this programme or to know more about Tropical Spice Garden, the public can go to our official Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/TropicalSpiceGarden/,” she said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis