Say cheese: USM students Nur Ira Natasya Jasmadi, 23, (left) and Nor Salihah Nawi, 22 (second from right) taking photos with their friends at Armenian Street during the weekend holiday in George Town, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is set for a full rebound in the tourism industry this year.
Besides the comeback of some hotels which had previously announced a temporary closure, there will also be several major newcomers.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh said about five more hotels should be opening on the island and mainland this year.
Overall, he said hoteliers are getting strong support from domestic and international tourists, with more expected to come this year.
“Since the reopening of borders and the removal of most MCO restrictions, we have had very strong domestic tourism. This has continued until now, especially during holidays and long weekends.
“With direct flights coming into Penang, we are also getting visitors from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well as western countries,” said Goh.
He said hotels were doing well last year and “most, if not all, were making profits.
For 2023, he said most hotels are budgeting higher revenue as it will be a full year, compared to 2022, where things only started around April or May.
Goh said the tourism sector would be focused on resorts by the beach and those within the city centre on the island, as well as others on the mainland.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the state had brought in Michelin Guide judges to enable its local cuisine to earn the coveted Michelin star rating.
He said the presence of the Michelin Guide in Penang would further enhance its position as a food paradise and gastronomic destination.
On Dec 13, two Penang restaurants were given one Michelin star.
They are Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, which serves Peranakan cuisine, and Au Jardin, which specialises in European fare.
A further 17 eateries in Penang were awarded the Bib Gourmand, which recognises “friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices”.
