After restrictions on interstate travel in Malaysia were slowly relaxed, Penang saw a steady increase in domestic tourism.

Chairman of the Penang Tourism Attractions Association (ATAP), Ch'ng Huck Theng says that since the Federal government lifted the restriction on interstate travel, Penang has seen a gradual increase in visitors from other states.

"For the past weekends, we have seen a gradual average growth to 50 percent (of outstation visitors) to Penang," he said at a press conference.

He said that Malaysians should seize the chance of visiting Penang 's attractions with the lifted prohibition of foreign travel and the enticing offers and packages.

"This will help support our local tourism industry to boost the state’s economy," he added.

In the meantime, the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang Chapter chairman, Khoo Boo Lim, also said that during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) period the Penang hotel occupancy was increasing considerably.

"We have about 60 percent occupancy of hotels along Penang’s beaches during the weekends, while a 30 percent hotel occupancy was recorded in the city side of the state," he said.

He added that Penang is continuing to promote tourism with a view to boosting tourism in the state.