Penang promotes “Responsible Tourism” as it is among the longest recorded “Green Zones” in the country during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In line with this, a launching ceremony was held recently at the Queensbay Mall shopping complex attended by representatives of hotels and resorts here.

Guest-of-honour was Penang Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow along with State Exco for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage, Yeoh Soon Hin.

Also present was the Penang director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Jonathan Freddy Bagang, Malaysia Association of Hotels (Penang Chapter) chairman, Khoo Boo Lim, Penang Mayor, Yew Tung Seang and Ashwin Gunasekeran, chief executive officer of PCEB.

“Responsible Tourism is one of the ways to curb the spread of the Covid-19 and also promote the tourism sector for the state.

“The state government had initially allocated RM75 million for the recovery of various sectors including the tourism sector. In the second phase we have again allocated another RM76 million in the second phase for tax rebates, incentives and various discounts for the respective sectors which have been impacted by the pandemic.

“Other than financial incentives, we have also engaged the various stakeholders and formed various partnerships to promote the tourism sector in the state,” said Chow in his address.

Later, Chow presented certificates of accreditation to the hotel and resort representatives who have complied to all the safety measures.

Among the hotel representatives present at the ceremony were from the E&O Hotel, Bayview Hotel Georgetown, Eastin Hotel, Equatorial Hotel Penang, Olive Tree Hotel, NEO+ Hotel, Mei Hotel, Cititel Penang, Sunway Hotel Georgetown and Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya and many more.