The Penang government has signed a memorandum of understanding with YZD Planning and Consultant to map out the state's tourism direction in the coming 10 years.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the manufacturing sector in Penang has been overtaken by the services sector as the top contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP).
Chow said the state needed to double its effort to propel the tourism industry, which is one of the main sectors within the ambit of the services sector.
"Last year I launched Penang2030 vision with its multi-pronged approaches and initiatives to pave the way for Penang to take a leading and exemplary role in nation building," Chow said during his speech.
"It is important and necessary that the Penang Tourism Masterplan (PTMP) is aligned with Penang 2030 vision to strategically position the state's presence in the competitive international travel market in the years to come."
Accompanying Chow at the event were Penang executive councillor for tourism development, heritage, culture and arts (Petach) Yeoh Soon Hin, YZD principal consultant Badaruddin Mohamed, and Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang branch) chairperson Khoo Boo Lim.
The chief minister then listed the strategies of the Penang Tourism Master Plan which includes positioning the state as an international tourist hub; managing sustainable and responsible tourism; cultivating an appreciation for heritage, culture and the arts; and engaging the community within a vibrant tourism economy.
Since George Town was listed as the Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008, Penang has experienced an influx of tourists, Chow noted.
"In 2006, the Penang International Airport received 1.5 million passengers, while in 2018, there were a staggering 7.8 million passengers," he said.
Chow congratulated Petach for working hard in promoting the state in the tourism sector.
"The state will continue to create an eye-opening and truly memorable experience for our local and international visitors," he added. - Mkini
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