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GEORGE TOWN – The Malaysia International Travel Mart (MITM) Travel Fair Penang 2022 is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors from the northern region this year, said Yeoh Soon Hin.
The state tourism and creative economy committee chairman said that this time around, there will be more than 50 exhibitors including airline companies and travel agencies participating in the event from 2nd to 3rd July at the Spice Arena.
The last time it was held back in 2019, it attracted more than 60,000 visitors.
“This has been touted as the largest travel fair in the northern region where more than 50 exhibitors offering a host of fabulous travel packages for travel enthusiasts who have been waiting for the last two years to travel abroad.
“I wish to applaud the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) for their effort in organising the travel fair not only in Kuala Lumpur but also in Penang after a lapse of two years,” he said at its launch yesterday.
Also present were stakeholders such as representatives from airlines and travel agencies, including MCTA Penang chapter chairman and the event organising chairman Andy Chuah, Malindo Air Sales and Commercial head Arasu Soundarajan and Starlux Airlines Penang officer Sin Hai Lin.
Covid-19 is an unforeseen and unjustified issue that threatens every sector of our state, where the tourism sector bears the most impact from it. This requires new initiatives and approaches for all sectors to recover and rebound to pre-pandemic levels.
“After the devastation to all our sectors over the past two years, I am hopeful that this opening will last and bring with it a more cohesive and coordinated approach to travel that will speed up recovery in the coming years,” he added.
Furthermore, the Paya Terubong assemblyman explained that interoperability must be at the heart of all planning for both local and international travel between private and public sectors.
Noting the importance of the tourism industry for the state, Yeoh stressed that the revitalised sector must be made sustainable.
He and the state government have collaborated with many private and public associations and agencies to create new high-quality tourism products in Penang.
“For example, our latest tourism offering is the historical Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Bukit Mertajam.
“We have already started the project to conserve and preserve the heritage building and hopefully it will be opened for viewing at the end of the year,” said the DAP legislator.
Reflecting on the goals and visions of Penang2030 and Penang Tourism Master Plan 2021-2030, Yeoh said that he will explore more events and concerts in Penang to attract good quality local and international visitors and maximise its tourism value. – The Vibes, June 1, 2022
