GEORGE TOWN – The Penang state exco office for tourism and creative economy (Petace) is looking to work with Thailand’s Tourism Ministry to boost tourism activities between the northern state and the kingdom now that things have begun to normalise after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.
Exco Yeoh Soon Hin said that his team is working on an Experience Penang exhibition that will be held in Thailand soon during the inaugural visit of Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakan to Penang this morning.
The Paya Terubong assemblyman gave the Thai minister a warm welcome and arranged for a trishaw ride and a visit to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
Yeoh said that there is a lot to learn from the Thai tourism sector.
“We have strong ties with Thailand, and we want to also encourage Thais to holiday in Penang.
“They make up the top 10 tourists in Penang and we foresee more cultural and art exchange in the future, along with learning from each other in terms of tourism.
“This way, both parties can boost tourism numbers post Covid-19,” he said.
With direct flights now running between Penang and Bangkok, there has been a surge of tourists from Thailand into the state.
Since May 30, Penang has resumed eight international direct flight routes from Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport in Thailand; Jakarta International Airport, Juanda International Airport and Kualanamu International Airport in Indonesia; Taoyuan International Airport (Taiwan); Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Vietnam); and Singapore’s Changi Airport.
Phiphat will also be sitting down with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to discuss a few matters before heading to the Experience Thailand exhibition held at Boon Siew Group Gallery today.
He will leave for Thailand tomorrow. – The Vibes, June 12, 2022
