THE Penang government has launched its “Fall in Love with Penang” domestic tourism campaign, alongside a revamped tourism website, to strengthen local promotion efforts and sustain visitor momentum throughout the year.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said that while previous promotional efforts had focused largely on international markets, including China, Southeast Asia and India, the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, particularly the Middle East conflict since late February, have prompted the state to recalibrate its strategy.
“Due to the Middle East crisis, international market efforts require us to adjust our strategy. Not only international markets, but domestic markets must also be intensified,” he said during the launch at Capri by Fraser in George Town.
Wong noted that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) had extended Visit Malaysia Year to 2027, providing an opportunity to further strengthen domestic tourism promotion.
He said the Middle East conflict has contributed to a global slowdown in tourism, with airlines adjusting flight frequencies and increasing fares to manage rising fuel costs.
“Airlines are reducing frequencies to maximise passenger loads. Since this scenario affects not only Malaysia but the entire world, we need to intensify our local efforts,” he said.
To sustain tourism momentum during upcoming peak periods, including the August Merdeka celebrations, September school holidays, China’s Golden Week in October and the year-end holiday season, Penang is implementing several strategies to attract visitors.
Newly reopened heritage attractions, including Fort Cornwallis and the Penang State Museum, as well as recent events like the George Town Heritage Celebration and George Town Festival, have already drawn strong visitor turnouts.
He also announced that he would lead a delegation comprising representatives from Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and tourism industry players to Guangzhou and Zhuhai next week to engage with the South China Greater Bay Area market ahead of October’s Golden Week holiday.
Also present at the launch were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, deputy State Secretary (Development) Datuk Mohammed Abdul Rahman, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Datuk Tony Goh, Penang Motac director Dr Annuar Mohamed and PGT director Datuk Albert Tan.
Meanwhile, Wong also addressed the safety incident at Lebuh Armenian, where two Sri Lankan tourists were injured after debris fell from a heritage building.
He said he had inspected the site together with Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, and representatives from the police, MBPP and George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI).
“We are deeply concerned about this incident. The injured tourists were immediately sent to hospital by ambulance, and my office is in contact with the Sri Lankan High Commission to see how we can assist,” he said.
In response to concerns over the condition of ageing heritage buildings, Wong instructed GTWHI and MBPP to issue safety advisories to heritage property owners, urging them to conduct structural inspections.
Acknowledging that restoration works could be costly, Wong said authorities should provide guidance and explore alternative repair solutions with property owners, as deteriorating structures could pose risks to public safety.
Story by Sarbeyshwaran Rajalingam
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud