SEBERANG Perai is poised to become an increasingly important tourism destination and the “second wing” of Penang’s two-wing tourism development, said state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai.
Wong said Seberang Perai and Penang Island have distinct tourism characteristics and strengths that can complement each other, creating a more diverse and comprehensive tourism landscape for the state.
He said this at the Mainland Consortium Meeting 2026 held at the PICCA Convention Centre in Butterworth, which brought together more than 80 tourism industry players from various sectors across Seberang Perai.
The meeting involved representatives from the hotel industry, shopping malls, transport services, tourism attraction operators and other industry stakeholders.
Wong said the meeting was aimed at consolidating industry efforts, integrating Seberang Perai’s tourism resources and establishing a regular platform for tourism players to engage, exchange ideas and share resources.
“Through cross-sectoral and cross-segment exchanges and dialogue, industry players were able to share experiences, exchange views, and put forward their perspectives and suggestions.
“This helped build consensus on further strengthening Seberang Perai’s tourism value chain and enhancing its overall tourism competitiveness,” he said.
Wong said the meeting also provided an opportunity to examine Seberang Perai’s tourism landscape according to its different geographical areas, tourism segments and distinctive resources, while identifying the elements that set the mainland apart from Penang Island.
He said the state government and private sector had, over the years, actively identified, developed and created new tourism products and attractions in Seberang Perai.
Among them was the Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery, which he said combined history, archaeology and heritage resources with modern infrastructure and exhibition techniques.
“The gallery transforms valuable archaeological discoveries into a cultural tourism product that allows the public to experience and gain a deeper understanding of the state’s heritage. It offers visitors a distinctive historical and cultural experience,” he said.
Wong said the private sector has also continued to explore Seberang Perai’s natural and cultural resources, citing the Penang River Cruise as an example of how innovative tourism experiences and product packaging could create new opportunities for the mainland.
“These initiatives by both the government and private sector are gradually enriching Seberang Perai’s tourism product portfolio, while further highlighting its diverse potential in nature, history, culture and leisure tourism,” he said.
Wong noted that Penang’s tourism industry has traditionally been centred on the island, particularly George Town’s Unesco World Heritage Site, Penang Hill’s Unesco Biosphere Reserve and the coastal tourism assets around Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi.
“These destinations have long served as important gateways for visitors to Penang. However, as the tourism industry continues to evolve, Penang’s tourism sector is now well positioned to expand its footprint into a wider geographical area,” he said.
He said Seberang Perai’s growing tourism market was further reflected in the increasing presence of international hotel brands, signalling greater industry confidence in the area’s tourism and hospitality potential.
Wong said Seberang Perai’s rivers, wetlands and natural ecosystems, as well as its agricultural and rural tourism offerings, local attractions and culinary experiences, can introduce distinctive elements to Penang’s tourism industry that differ from those available on the island.
He also highlighted the 2026 Penang Bridge International Marathon, scheduled for Dec 13, as an important opportunity to showcase Seberang Perai.
Wong said this will be the third edition of the marathon to start from Seberang Perai and is expected to draw more than 25,000 runners and their family members to Batu Kawan.
He said the event will not only boost the local economy but also increase exposure for Seberang Perai as a tourism destination.
“This is the right time for Penang to further advance Seberang Perai’s tourism development. The state government must seize the momentum, act decisively and deepen the development of Penang’s overall tourism market,” he said.
Wong urged tourism industry players in Seberang Perai to take advantage of the current opportunities by strengthening collaboration and resource-sharing across different sectors.
“By connecting the many distinctive tourism attractions and products across Seberang Perai, we can move beyond the appeal of individual attractions towards complete tourism routes and integrated travel experiences.
“This will enable us to gradually build a more comprehensive, attractive and competitive tourism product ecosystem for Seberang Perai,” he said.
“The future of Penang tourism will be one of two wings flying together, with Penang Island and Seberang Perai developing in tandem and complementing each other.
“Only when both wings take flight together can we fully realise Penang’s tourism potential and maximise the benefits of tourism development across the state,” he said.
Pix courtesy of PETACE