Penang tourism is set to come back stronger with the gradual reopening of international borders from 1st April 2022.

During the press conference for the “Welcome to Penang” campaign held at The Wembley St Giles Hotel today, the Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy (PETACE), YB Yeoh Soon Hin expressed his excitement for the campaign and the readiness of Penang to receive more tourists in the coming days.

Spearheading efforts to ensure the sustainability of the industry has always been the priority for Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy (PETACE). In an effort to accelerate the recovery of the industry, global advertising campaigns leveraging “Welcome to Penang” branding will take place to boost inbound tourism while domestic tourism continues to drive the recovery.

Digital marketing schemes such as social media platforms will be used to elevate the exposure of “Welcome to Penang” branding to trigger engagement from the end-users and to remind travellers that Penang remains an unmissable destination worth visiting. From its two UNESCO-designated sites which are the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site and the recently recognised Penang Hill UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, quirky street art, legendary street food, 130-million-year-old virgin rainforest, to diverse natural landscapes of hills and beaches, it is undoubtedly that Penang is one of the most iconic destinations favoured by visitors around the world.

Promotions and deals curated through tactical campaigns or joint promotions initiated by the state tourism bureau with major industry players allow intrigued travellers to refine their itinerary for a memorable journey in Penang, “1 of 22 best destinations to visit in 2022” as listed by CNN Travel.

Targeting the needs of Business-To-Business (B2B) players, online and offline approaches will be taken. “Online promotional strategies including webinars and seminars are passages for industry players and agencies where we will be sharing insights and disclosing some of the marketable essences of Penang that will eventually serve as a highlight for them to bring travellers to Penang. Familiarization trips through smart partnerships with Tourism Malaysia and local industry players are placed to provide industry players and agencies the opportunity to experience the latest activities and attractions Penang has to offer.” As elaborated by Yeoh in his statement.

The use of Out-Of-Home (OOH) advertising located in the prime area domestically and internationally to showcase vivid sceneries of Penang through videos or photos will serve as bait to lure travellers to come and see for themselves, the real beauty of Penang especially the hidden gems that are located at the other side of the island – Teluk Bahang and Balik Pulau; the opposite side of the island – Seberang Perai.

The versatility and potential of Penang to cater to demands from different markets are further enhanced with the diversified tourism products. One of the efforts is by transforming the opposite side of the island – Seberang Perai into a nature-based tourism destination with the introduction to the array of ecotourism and agrotourism offerings available in it. Newly discovered tourism destinations and products such as the historic Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Bukit Mertajam are introduced to domestic and international travellers in order to protect the cultural heritage trail in Penang while expanding its assets to add substantial value to the industry. New museums and art galleries are being introduced to suit the appetite of museum-goers and art enthusiasts.

“Our recently launched “Muslim Travel Guide” booklet and “Jalan-Jalan Pulau Pinang” brochure are to instil confidence in visitors that Penang is a friendly destination that has the capacity to fulfil the needs of travellers from the aspect of food and lifestyle, culture and heritage and nature and adventure. Travellers can spend their time at ease here because Penang truly has it all.”

Before ending his statement, Yeoh extended his invitation to all travellers. “Come discover this world-renowned tourist destination. With so many new places of interest to discover all over Penang, you ought to come to visit Penang for your share of this lovely place we called home, Penang!”

Also present at the press conference were Mr Ooi Chok Yan, the Chief Executive Officer for Penang Global Tourism and representatives of respective associations.