GEORGE TOWN – Penang is seeing an influx of Chinese tourists as the state recorded a 73.32% increase in the number of tourists from the communist nation.
State exco for tourism Yeoh Soon Hin said the increase was recorded between February and March this year.
“China is the world’s largest source market for tourists, and Penang’s long-term target, so we will examine how to develop the ‘Tourism Creative Economy Silk Road’ model under the ‘One Belt, One Road, Experience Penang’ initiative.”
The Chinese government had lifted travel restrictions on its citizens earlier this year following the reduction in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country.
Yeoh said this following a meeting with officials from the Chinese tourism bureau recently.
He said the state government will carry out more tourism, culture, arts and other promotional activities in China in view of this positive figure.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Yeoh said that Penang welcomes the federal government’s move to review the strict requirements of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) retirement scheme and take proactive actions towards allowing visa-on-arrival (VOA) for visitors from China and India.
Addressing the recent discussion between the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi, Yeoh believes this review is a crucial step in the right direction towards creating a more welcoming environment for international visitors.
“Imagine how much it would be beneficial for our country, if we implement our policies to achieve effectiveness and efficiency in this challenging economic climate.
“The review for MM2H and VOA will be critical components for our country, and I hope that the people will start to recognise their potential,” he added. – The Vibes, April 23, 2023
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