The Penang State Tourism Department launched the “Best Tour Packages” to help the state’s tourism industry recover during these trying times.

The Best Tour Packages aims to boost the economy, increase the state’s revenue, contribute to Penang’s gross domestic product (GDP), support the local industry and tourism sector, and safeguard the travel industry workforce.

The tour packages will benefit various tourism sectors such as hotels, attractions, F&B outlets (restaurants, cafes and hawkers), tours (tourist guides, bus drivers), transportation (car rental agencies, busses, vans, trishaw peddlers) and travel agencies. Furthermore, travel agencies will have the opportunity to upsell more Penang packages.

State Exco for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage, Yeoh Soon Hin said that the package which targets the domestic market under the JOM! Experience Penang initiative.

“Tapping into the state’s COVID-19 green zone status and the overwhelming desire of domestic travellers to travel after spending months in isolation, the tour packages will attract travellers to plan and book Penang holiday packages.

“Tourists who purchase the tour packages will experience the state’s diverse places of interest and attractions at affordable prices. They will also be the state’s “ambassadors” by sharing their experiences online and through word of mouth.

“The package mainly highlights four of Penang’s hottest attractions, namely The Habitat Penang Hill, The Top Penang, Tropical Spice Garden and Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm,” said Yeoh.

Penang Global Tourism (PGT), PETACH’s marketing arm, will undertake the campaign’s advertising and promotions, especially via social media for public awareness. Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA), a tourism association officially recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has curated a total of 23 tour packages covering all the tourist hotspots in Penang.

Tourist guide services are included in each package to provide visitors with unique insights and perspectives on each tour. The tour packages will be promoted throughout all 80 MCTA members in Peninsular Malaysia including Sabah and Sarawak as well as on various social media, websites, and among the Malaysian Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).

The tour packages are targeting 6,000 tourists from various states in Malaysia from July 2020 onwards. They are expected to bring in RM1,540,000 in revenue to multiple sectors in Penang, generating RM1,230,000 in return of investment.

“Tapping into the state’s COVID-19 green zone status and the overwhelming desire of domestic travellers to travel after spending months in isolation, these tour packages will allow tourists to truly experience Penang’s historical and cultural heritage with a peace of mind while at the same time, reviving Penang’s travel industry and safeguarding the travel industry workforce.” said Yeoh at the launching ceremony held at the Wembley Hotel here.