Famed for its Muslim-friendly places and eateries, Penang certainly has the potential to attract a growing international Muslim tourism segment.
It is launching a “Muslim Travel Guide” booklet & video and “Jalan-Jalan Pulau Pinang” brochure to make travel a breeze for Muslim travellers in the state.
Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE) YB Yeoh Soon Hin said the booklet and brochure would come in handy for this group of travellers in Penang.
“They do not have to spend much time researching where to stay and visit, or what to eat.
“Malaysia has always been a popular destination for tourists from Middle East countries. Penang, being one of the states in this country, is definitely one of the popular go-to spots for them.
“To cater to our Middle East market, the Travel Guide is also available in Arabic version for our upcoming showcase at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai next month (May).

“The Penang Global Tourism website is also available in Arabic language for the Middle East visitors to have a better understanding of Penang,” he said during the launch at The Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya.
Apart from constantly updating its existing social media platforms with Muslim-friendly content, Yeoh said that the state was also collaborating with other platforms such as Penang Foodie and Tripzilla to generate new content for Muslim travellers.
“Penang is a melting pot of culture and flavours. It is regarded as a foodie heaven in Malaysia. This beautiful gem will satisfy you with its rich culture and history as well as the many Muslim-friendly services,” he said.
There are several halal friendly hotels in Penang where one can find halal facilities and numerous wonderful attractions.
The Penang Islamic Museum celebrates the role and contribution of Malay leaders in the development and propagation of Islam in Penang.
The Kapitan Keling Mosque is one of the historical buildings in the city built in the 19th century.

One can also make a trip to the old ancient ruins and historical sites to learn and remember the past.

Among them is the largest standing Fort Cornwallis that was built in 1786 as a defensive structure against pirates.
A walk down the Armenian Street takes visitors through some of the best architectures while the Penang State Museum details the history and heritage of Penang.
There is also the Penang Peranakan Mansion that features eclectic style of architecture used by the wealthy Peranakan families and a long list of mouth-watering local halal food spots to fill up one’s belly.
As borders reopened, Yeoh said the strengthening of domestic market was equally vital.
“This explains the state’s initiative in launching ‘The Opposite Side of the Island’ and ‘The Other Side of the Island’ as part of the Experience Penang campaign to revive the state tourism.
“So do not just limit yourself with the popular spots in Penang. Explore the hidden charm on the other parts of the island and mainland as well.
 

“Here in mainland for instances, we have the Frog Hill that is known as ‘the Jiuzhaigou of Penang’, Kampung Agong that has been dubbed ‘Penang Bali’ by the locals and the Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest or more popularly known as Tok Kun Hill that is the Seberang Perai version of Penang Hill, “ he said.
The “Experience Penang” campaign is aimed at bringing domestic and international visitors to the Pearl of the Orient to experience the various tourism spots on the island and mainland.
It is in line with the Penang Tourism Master Plan that is very much aligned with the new National Tourism Policy (2020-2030) and the vision of Penang2030 that will see an integration of culture, arts and heritage making up the creative economy of Penang.
Those who wish to obtain a copy of the booklet and brochure can visit Penang Global Toursim or download the e-version from www.mypenang.gov.my
Also present at the launch yesterday was Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan along with the respective representatives from industry associations.