Collaboration between Penang Bridge International Marathon and Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association

Penang News Published 1 year ago on 8 June 2022 | Author TIN Media
PENANG:

A collaboration between Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) and Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) is announced yesterday that serves as the commencement of the joint effort between these two parties in hope to increase the exposure of Penang through tour packages curated in conjunction with the approaching Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2022.

The approaching PBIM 2022 is the first physical run after a 2-year hiatus and will take place on 11st December, 2022. “11st December 2022 is set to be a monumental day of sport as PBIM has always been the largest state event since 2008 that has brought marathoners from every nook and corner of the world to Penang. I believe this would be a golden opportunity to welcome everyone here to experience Penang” said the Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), YB Yeoh Soon Hin during the press conference.

Since the announcement of the commencement for registration to PBIM 2022, the organizer has received overwhelming responds that lead up to a close 18,000 registrations as of 20th May, 2022. The continuation of such momentum is anticipated to bring in more participants to hit the maximum capacity of 25,000 participants.

Yeoh pointed out that diversifying tourism products can attract greater segments of tourists to visit Penang as Penang has a variety of unique alternative tourism products or sites that have the potentials to be further developed and promoted. During the recent launch of “The Opposite Side of the Island, Seberang Perai” and “The Other Side of the Island, Teluk Bahang and Balik Pulau”, the unseen and hidden gems of Penang have been marketed to offer the equivalent unique experience to those who appreciate charming and therapeutic sites, at the same time, closing the gap of tourism development between the island and mainland.

The collaboration between PBIM and MCTA is part of the effort by the state government in reviving Penang tourism. “As we all know, the vision of Penang2030 and the Penang Tourism Masterplan 2021-2030 are interlinked and complementary, sharing a common vision to transform Penang State into a premier, sustainable, diversified and smart tourism destination. Hence, I believe this collaboration would create a new path for growth, interconnecting our goals and aspirations, driving the economy of Penang to a whole new magnitude.” Yeoh emphasized.

“We are living in a very demanding time. Malaysia faces complex challenges to enhance and stimulate its rate of economic growth. There is a pressing need to work together to restore livelihoods, recharge economies and reunite people in our country and help to accelerate this recovery. Ever since the pandemic started two years ago, we have directed focus to foster local involvement in tourism sector. We have come a long way. And now it is the right