Penang launches a domestic campaign to encourage Malaysians to rediscover the state’s attractions and boost tourism.
GEORGE TOWN: Penang today launched the ‘Fall In Love with Penang’ campaign to encourage Malaysians to rediscover the state, strengthening domestic tourism while sustaining the momentum of international visitor arrivals.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the campaign marks a strategic shift from Penang’s previous focus on overseas markets, including China, Southeast Asia, and India.
“This is the first time we are launching a campaign specifically targeting the domestic market, as we want Malaysians to rediscover Penang’s unique attractions and the new tourism products now available.
“Our decision to intensify domestic tourism promotion is driven by the geopolitical conflict in West Asia, which has affected global travel patterns, as well as the extension of the Visit Malaysia Year campaign to 2027,” he told reporters after launching the campaign here today.
Also present was Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Penang director Dr Annuar Mohamed.
Wong said that while Penang will continue promoting the state internationally, greater emphasis will now be placed on the domestic market through initiatives such as enhancing the state’s tourism website with new features and showcasing new tourism offerings.
He said recently reopened attractions, including Fort Cornwallis and the Penang State Museum, together with major events such as the George Town Heritage Day celebrations and the George Town Festival, have received an encouraging response and contributed positively to the state’s tourism performance.
Looking ahead, Wong said Penang aims to attract more visitors during the National Day celebrations and school holidays in August and September before shifting its focus to China’s “Golden Week” holiday from Oct 1 to 8.
As part of that effort, he will lead a delegation comprising Penang Global Tourism and industry representatives to Guangzhou and Zhuhai next week to engage with tourism stakeholders in the Greater Bay Area ahead of the holiday period.
