In an effort to shore up more locals to support popular destinations in Penang, the penangtraveldeals.com website has been launched to provide detailed information for holiday makers.

Dubbed JOM ! Experience Penang Campaign, the initiative offers a convenient platform for those planning their travels offering the best deals for hotels and places of attraction in Penang.

The event held at the Wembley Hotel here was officiated by Penang State Exco for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage, Yeoh Soon Hin.

Also present was Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang chapter) chairman Khoo Boo Lim, Association of Tourism Attractions Penang (ATAP) chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng and Penang Global Tourism Chief Executive Officer Ooi Chok Yan.

Others present were representatives from the various hotels and tourism attractions like the Entopia, The Top, Escape, Habitat and many more.

Yeoh in his opening address urged more locals to visit Penang and enjoy the comforts of the hotels and take in the local old-world charm and food delights.

“Whether you are looking at the Georgetown heritage zone, Batu Ferringhi palm-fringed beaches or the scenic hinterland in Seberang Perai, Penang offers the perfect spot for every taste and budget,” said Yeoh.

In the meantime, Khoo added that Penang hotels are currently experiencing around 60% occupancy during weekends at beach hotels while those in town are experiencing around 30% occupancy.

“As we observe strict health and safety, visitors are also advised to comply with the new normal.

Ch’ng added that ATAP destinations are experiencing a 50% support level from locals presently and urged more domestic travellers to take this golden opportunity of great discounts and special packages on offer now.

Visitors also stand to receive Experience Penang 2020 merchandise from participating hotels while stocks last.

In a related development, Yeoh added that the Georgetown Festival will go online from July 4 to 19 July, with virtual showcases, talks, and workshop– along with a post-GTF bonus screening on 26 July – related to visual art, theatre, music, dance, and film.

A total of nine programmes will be curated into this year’s Festival and will be accessible by tablet, smartphone or laptop, giving fans a virtual GTF experience during these trying times”

Yeoh said, with the theme ‘Everyone Everywhere’, the Festival continues to make arts accessible to everyone – from the festival-goers to the art communities and the general public, regardless of age, ethnicity or background – while re-inventing the Festival experience to create a never-before-seen virtual experience.

“Everyone has to prepare for and embrace the next norm during and after the pandemic, including the arts and culture industry.”

He said the digitalisation of arts and culture program is one of the Penang State Government’s efforts to assist the industry players to face the next norm.