AS PENANG’S tourism sector bounces back from the Covid-19 pandemic, the focus is on enhancing the infrastructure to cater to the booming industry.
One plan is the expansion and upgrading of the Penang Inter-national Airport (PIA) by the Federal Government, which will allow the airport to accommodate more than 12 million passengers annually.
Wong speaking about his plans to boost Penang’s tourism industry in the post-pandemic era.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the project would help to secure more direct flights to Penang.
“We have to work hand in hand with federal agencies to ensure the infrastructure is in place.
“We have ‘reconnected’ direct flights with various neighbouring countries that were stopped during the pandemic,” he told StarMetro in an interview.
It was earlier reported that the RM1.2bil airport expansion project was expected to begin next year.
The scope of work included the construction of a new terminal and other facilities for passengers.
The project is expected to take between three and four years to complete.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke had said the cost of PIA’s expansion would be borne by Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB), adding that the project was urgently needed because, in 2019, the airport was handling more than eight million passengers, above its current capacity of 6.5 million.
International delegates mingling at a conference held at Setia SPICE arena. The state’s conference and convention tourism subsector is set to grow further. — Filepic
Wong said the state was also working with the medical tourism industry to hold roadshows in Asean countries to bring in more international patients.
He said more private hospitals had moved to Penang, while conference and convention tourism brought in plenty of tourists.
“Penang has hosted many international conferences and exhibitions over the years and will continue to do so.
“We have modern purpose-built convention centres such as the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, the SP Arena, and the Penang International Convention Cultural and Arts Centre (PICCA) @ Butterworth Arena.
“The Penang Waterfront Convention Centre will soon be ready for events too,” he said, adding that from his meeting with the Penang Convention and Exhi-bition Bureau, he learned that they had events scheduled up to 2031.
Wong said the state’s tourism industry experienced a V-shaped recovery (quick recovery after sharp decline) following the pandemic.
Penang boasts two Unesco-listed attractions.
“There is injection of new capital in this industry.
“New hotels have started operating while old hotels are rebranding and some that were previously shut have reopened.
“There are even hotels coming up in Ayer Itam, an area not usually known for tourism.
“As for the beach hotels, they were fully booked during the recent National Day.”
Penang Hill (left) and George Town heritage enclave (right).
Wong, who was recently sworn into his new role, said he was hitting the ground running by meeting stakeholders in the tourism industry including hotels, tour agencies and medical institutions.
“They have provided a lot of input on how to further improve the tourism industry here.
“We now have many industry players from other countries coming to meet us to pursue activities here.”
Wong added that Penang was blessed with two Unesco-listed attractions — the George Town World Heritage Site and the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.
“We need to show off our colourful blend of heritage, culture, food and nature via exciting events throughout the year.”
Wong said the state would be focusing more on the mainland as its approach had been too island-centric for too long.
“The island has a mature market of well-known places to visit and the mainland will have new ones to offer,” he said.
He also aimed to boost the creative economy by nurturing local artistic talents.
Wong speaking about his plans to boost Penang’s tourism industry in the post-pandemic era.
(Left) PIA’s expansion project will allow it to cater to 12 million passengers per year. — Photos: KT GOH and ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Guests checking in at a hotel in George Town in 2022 as the hospitality sector recovers from the pandemic. — Filepic
Penang boasts two Unesco-listed attractions.
International delegates mingling at a conference held at Setia SPICE arena. The state’s conference and convention tourism subsector is set to grow further. — Filepic
Penang Hill (left) and George Town heritage enclave (right).
A group of ladies enjoying the Penang International Food Festival 2022. Events like this help showcase the state’s culinary scene. — Filepic
(BRIEF CAPTION) The 26th Penang International Ballroom Dancing Championship at SPICE Convention Centre in Penang. Pic by: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star/ 30 November 2019.
Cultural show during the Asia-Pacific Urban Forum at Setia Spice Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas, Penang yesterday. - Starpic by MUSTAFA AHMAD/The Star/14 Oct 2019.
Entrepreneurs from over 30 countries were entertained by a Parade of Colours performance featuring dancers dressed in colourful national costumes from all over the world during QNET's V-Malaysia 2019 convention at Setia SPICE Arena in Relau, Penang. /Picby:CHAN BOON KAI/The Star/23 April 2019.
