PENANG, as one of the key states to promote tourism in the country, is set to attract an influx of tourists in view of the Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020) campaign next year.
The campaign, being held throughout the country, is expected to attract bigger numbers of visitors and and thus making the country as a top choice for destination.
State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said Penang, widely known for its food culture and heritage paradise, would entice many tourists.
“Penang has a role to play in helping the nation to meet its target of 30 million tourist arrivals.
“Penang is also well known as one of the important states in promoting the tourism industry,” he added.
Yeoh was speaking after attending an official dinner of the 12th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Working Group Meeting on Tourism at The Top, Komtar on Friday.
In this event, he said it was an honour for the state to host such an important function and introducing the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ to the people.
“We are happy that Penang is chosen as the venue for the event this year as we could share the sights of the state with the guests,”he said.
Yeoh also expressed gratitude to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for choosing the state as the venue of this meeting.
The Ministry’s deputy secretary-general Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, meanwhile, praised Penang for its warm welcome given to the guests.
She concurred with Yeoh, saying VM2020 next year would be a special year for the country.
“Penang surely has a bigger role to play as it is known for its famous food and heritage among the international tourists,” she added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad