GEORGE TOWN – A tourism expert has urged Penang to take heed to ensure that the industry does not adversely impact the social well-being and environment of the state.
While planners may mean well in their marketing and promotional outreach, there is also a need to ensure that tourism does not negatively affect the economy in subtle ways, said the University of Kent’s associate professor in tourism management, Mark Hampton.
“Penang is a great asset in tourism. There are many tourism-related assets and layers of complexity. While it is faring well, there is a need to address issues that may impact negatively on the industry,” said Hampton during a public lecture here.
He said that there is a need to attract all types of tourists, but each segment presents its own set of challenges.
For example, so-called “quality tourists”, also known as big spenders, have numerous demands and high expectations regarding the costs they incur when travelling.
“We must be careful. These quality tourists have many demands. They want top fittings in their luxury hotel rooms; they want everything to be tip-top and sometimes these items have to be imported. This would mean money leaking out of the country. And there are a limited number of the super-rich.”
“It is important to examine how and what tourists spend on and reduce economic leakages out of the state and country. Having a large number can be a problem because it causes overcrowding, pollution, parking issues, and congestion,” said Hampton.
Hampton said there is a need to study what tourists do in Penang.
“It is best if tourists in Penang stay longer and spend more money, and the money stays in Penang,” he said.
He added that it is also less beneficial if the state’s money is spent more overseas to draw such tourists in.
Hampton also expressed his concerns about the growing cruise tourism in Penang, which he believes has a low return on investment for destinations.
He recommended that tourism be led more from a community standpoint as a guiding strategy for the state’s tourism to grow sustainably.
Keep innovating to enhance industry
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has called on the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), which is the custodian of the top nature tourism landmark, Penang Hill, to explore new ways to keep the place attractive.
Chow stated recently at the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Penang Hill funicular railway service that the focus should now be on making the hill not only popular throughout Malaysia, but also a preferred eco-tourism destination worldwide.
Meanwhile, the state executive councillor in charge of tourism, Yeoh Soon Hin, was recognised for his efforts to revive tourism in Penang following the pandemic.
The Malaysian Association of Theme Parks & Family Attractions recognises and honours leaders from across the country who effectively address the concept of innovation to meet industry challenges.
This year, the association named Yeoh the top personality for his efforts in bringing tourism back to Penang.
The event was held on June 11 at Resorts World Genting to honour those who have greatly contributed to Malaysian tourism.
Among the previous winners were the chairman of Genting Group, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay; former tourism minister Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir; and One World Group founder Tan Sri Richard Koh.
Yeoh recalled how challenging it was to regain consumer confidence in the travel industry.
Despite this, Yeoh countered dwindling arrivals with Penang’s own tourism masterplan, which is now being carried out smoothly.
His approach was multi-faceted and involved multi-level engagement with stakeholders.
It was also fast-paced with countless events and programmes lined up in Penang.
Yeoh, together with his tourism officers, embarked on many activities and programmes to ensure that Penang’s brand as a top destination was sustained despite Covid-19. – The Vibes, June 29, 2023
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