GEORGE TOWN – The state’s highest tourism landmark – The Top – marked its return to the industry with the lighting of a giant Christmas tree at its premises inside Komtar.
Billed as one of the main attractions for Penang, The Top has however struggled in the face of the rampaging Covid-19 pandemic as the state and country as a whole have been under a lockdown for the most part in the past two years.
However, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he is hoping the fortunes of the tourist trap will change with the reopening of the sector, saying that The Top is an iconic landmark here.
He observed that Only World Group (OWG) had played a significant role in boosting tourism in Penang with its various promotions as a one-stop edutainment and leisure group.
Among its draws is The Top, which boasts 18 themed attractions and dining options. Its main attraction is the 65th floor, where visitors will have a bird’s eye view of Penang island, in particular the Unesco World Heritage Site enclave in George Town.
OWG bought into the state’s vision to reinvent Komtar – the state administrative complex – into a vibrant area for tourism, trade, and business events, hence its decision to invest millions into the remaking of the northern region’s tallest building.
However, during the height of the lockdowns, there was speculation that many tourist attractions, including The Top, would take a hit due to the movement control order, especially when Penang’s Covid-19 cases began rising.
However, Chow said today that business is resuming, and will be back as usual because the traffic flow has increased.
“Our hotels are getting reservations and our shopping malls are swarming with people. All of these have given us the impetus to continue seeking new and creative ways to boost our tourism and hospitality industry,” he said. – The Vibes, December 13, 2021
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