PENANG is set to see an influx of visitors from China, thanks to the collaboration between Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and China’s largest online travel services provider, Ctrip Group.
State Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said China is the key market for Penang and the state was hoping to see an increase in the number of visitors to the state.
He said PGT was keen to explore new ways and to work with major players in the travel industry to promote Penang.
“Penang is the first state to undertake this global tourism campaign and also the first state to collaborate with Ctrip.
“This partnership will help push our digital campaign to greater heights.
“We are also absolutely delighted to play a part in strengthening ties between Malaysia and China, ” he told reporters after witnessing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between PGT and Ctrip.
PGT was represented by its chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan while Ctrip Destination Marketing (Oversea) general manager Edison Chen appeared for the Group.
Chen said both sides would focus on efforts to attract Chinese tourists to the state.
“Malaysia is one of the key areas of Ctrip’s global expansion,” he said, adding that he was looking forward to the strategic partnership.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee