Latest news with #PenangGlobalTourism
Malay Mail
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Bon Odori: Festival meant to honour ancestors now beloved cultural showcase in Penang
GEORGE TOWN, July 18 — Every year, around the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, Obon was held in Japan to honour the spirits of their ancestors. Obon is a Japanese memorial service held to honour the souls of departed ancestors who were believed to have returned home during that period. Interestingly, this overlapped with the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival's main day to pray to the deceased with the same belief that spirits of their ancestors returned home during that period. The earliest record of Obon being practiced to welcome ancestors' souls with prayers and visiting them was dated 606 by the Empress Suiko (r. 593–628). Over the years, other influences were introduced such as the chanting of nenbutsu prayers and furyū, a lively folk dance, that formed the basis for the Bon Odori festivals that is being held today. Performances during Bon Odori 2024 in Penang. — Picture via Facebook/ Penang Global Tourism The folk dances performed during Bon Odori were passed down from long ago to coordinate with the lyrics that were initially to receive spirits and send them off again. Now, in modern times, the festival has become a cultural celebration to liven up summers in Japan while the religious aspect was mostly lost. Since most of the choreography of the dances were based around yukata, a light cotton kimono Japanese wear during summer, most participants and attendees will be dressed in their best yukata. Though the dances were the main feature of the festival, other activities are also held such as games stalls and an array of food stalls. Bon Odori in Penang While Bon Odori festivals are held over two to four nights or even up to six weeks in different cities in Japan, the festival is held for one night in Penang. Bon Odori was first introduced in Penang back in the early 1990s when it was organised by the Japanese community living in Penang and by Japanese companies in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone. The festival started small, only held within the Penang Japanese School grounds or in company premises for Japanese expatriates living here to stay connected to their cultural traditions. According to tourism committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, as interest in Japanese culture grew, Bon Odori was then held at Padang Kota Lama in the early 2000s. 'Bon Odori evolved into a state-supported event, co-organised by the Consulate-General of Japan, the Penang state government, Penang Global Tourism, and the Penang Japanese Association,' he said. Today, the Bon Odori festival has become one of Penang's main cultural highlights that attracted visitors from other states and tourists alike. Bon Odori 2025 This year, Penang Bon Odori will be held on July 19 at Padang Kota Lama from 5pm onwards. Seen in this picture is a snapshot of Bon Odori 2024 in Penang. The celebration has now become a regular feature in Penang. — Picture via Facebook/ Penang Global Tourism Wong said the theme this year — 'Akari Bon Odori' (festival of lights)— reflects the state's hope to illuminate the night sky as well as shine a light on the spirit of community, friendship and togetherness. As with each annual Bon Odori festival, there will be traditional Bon Odori dances on the main stage where everyone is encouraged to participate as they converge on the field. 'There will also be taiko drum performances and martial arts demonstrations,' he said. There will be booths on another section of the field with cultural workshops such as calligraphy, origami and dressing up in yukatas. Festival games, cultural exhibitions and performances will be held by university troupes from Japan while Japanese street food will be available at the food stalls along with Penang's own street food. Wong said the night of festivities will culminate in a fireworks display at the end of the evening. Crowds at the cultural booths during Bon Odori 2024. — Picture by Opalyn Mok.
The Star
10-06-2025
- The Star
Penang's call for mindful tourism
Historical heritage: A couple of German tourists taking photos and videos of Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, the country's largest Hokkien clanhouse, in George Town. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Penang hopes that sustainable tourism will be taken seriously as the nation gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026. While tourists are welcome to explore the beauty of the city, state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai reminds everyone about responsible travel practices to safeguard Penang's rich cultural heritage, iconic buildings and natural environment. 'Penang is home to numerous historic places of worship, including temples, mosques, churches and shrines that reflect our diverse religious landscape. 'Visitors should be mindful of local sensitivities and dress modestly out of respect for the religious practices and traditions observed at these sites. 'These places are not just tourist attractions. They are active centres of faith and worship in the local communities. 'We welcome everyone to experience Penang's cultural richness, but we also ask that they do so with understanding and respect,' Wong said. Wong, who also serves as the chairman of Penang Global Tourism, expressed optimism as Penang prepares to maintain its status as a premier destination for all tourists. 'Tourists should also be mindful of littering, especially cigarette butts, and defacing the iconic murals,' he said. Wong also said visitors should stay on designated trails and not disturb local wildlife or vegetation while visiting scenic hills, parks and beaches. 'It is important to do our part to keep them clean and undisturbed. Sustainable tourism is a necessity,' he said. Meanwhile, Penang Tourist Guide Association chairman Clement Liang said while Penang is generally safe, visitors need to remain vigilant. He also stressed the importance of observing local customs. 'Malaysia may be more relaxed than some countries, but beachwear like bikinis is not appropriate in places of worship. Respect goes a long way,' he added. Penang police chief Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad reminded tourists that they are subject to local laws and should always follow police advice. He urged those driving to use designated parking areas and avoid haphazard parking, to prevent traffic congestion. 'The police are committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of all visitors, and we will take action against anyone who disrupts public order. 'We want everyone to enjoy their time in Penang, but they must also help maintain a safe and orderly environment,' he said.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Offer new experiences to attract more tourists'
(From left) Shahrin, Imran, Yeoh, Wong, Penang Global Tourism CEO Ooi Chok Yan and Iconic Marjorie Hotel group general manager Kevin Cheah flanked by VM2026 mascots Wira and Manja at the event. Tourism Malaysia says niche attractions will help cement nation's position as global travel destination DIVERSIFYING tourism offerings is crucial in helping the country position itself as a preferred global travel destination. Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) on the horizon, all states should aim to introduce new tourism products, especially in niche segments. Noting that travellers are always on the hunt for new experiences, he pointed to special interest markets like ecotourism, health tourism, cultural tourism and agrotourism as areas of opportunity. He said it would be timely since Malaysia's role as Asean chair this year enabled it to spearhead sustainable and inclusive tourism within the region. Yeoh said this was also reflected in the VM2026 theme of 'Malaysia: A Sustainable and Culturally Rich Destination'. 'The campaign's success will depend on well-planned and effective promotional efforts. 'I urge all parties to embrace this as a national mission,' he said during an engagement session with Penang's tourism industry stakeholders in Bayan Lepas. 'We must focus on innovating new tourism products, expanding market reach and improving facilities and services to create more meaningful and quality visitor experiences. 'Another key factor is improving connectivity between Malaysia and second and third-tier cities in other countries. 'We are working closely with the Transport Ministry, Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd and airlines to increase flights and develop new routes,' he added. Yeoh cited central Asia as a key growth region to tap into. Currently, the main markets are Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei, India, the Philippines, South Korea, Australia and Taiwan, he said. Yeoh said travellers from these countries made up the bulk of the 38 million visitors to Malaysia in 2024. That number represented a 31.1% increase from 2023. 'Up to February, Malaysia welcomed 6.7 million visitors, which are also 31.1% and 14.5% increases compared to the same periods in 2024 and 2019 respectively. 'Overall for 2025, Malaysia targets 45 million arrivals. This is expected to generate tourism revenue of RM270bil,' he added. State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Penang International Airport had averaged 320 flights weekly as of February this year. This is a significant rise from the 284 and 208 weekly flights recorded in February 2019 and 2016 respectively – translating to a roughly 54% increase in just under a decade. 'Our air links were strengthened by the introduction of several direct routes last year from cities across China, India, South-East Asia and the Middle East. 'Penang's hotels welcomed a total of 8.24 million guests in 2024, which was a 13.3% increase from 2023. 'In terms of capacity, some 2,200 new rooms were also added in the past year. 'These figures not only reflect Penang's appeal as a prime tourism destination but also the confidence of investors in the state's tourism prospects,' said Wong. The engagement session was attended by several hundred representatives from government agencies, airlines, hotels, tourist attractions and local operators. There were a series of presentations interspersed by high-tea and the appearance of the VM2026 campaign mascots – Wira and Manja – that are Malayan sun bears. Also present were Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general of planning Shahrin Mokhtar and Motac deputy secretary general of management Imran Abdullah. Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) has allocated RM400mil for marketing activities pertaining to VM2026. A further RM130mil will also be disbursed through support grants. These are the Geran Galakan Melancong, Geran Sokongan Sektor Pelancongan and Geran Sektor Penerbangan dan Charter. For information, go to
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Penang hotels, orchards prepare for durian season amid tourism drive
GEORGE TOWN, May 7 — Penang is gearing up for its annual durian season, and hotels and durian orchards are ready to welcome a surge of durian lovers from across Malaysia, Singapore, and China. Although the durian season in Penang started late this year, Penang Global Tourism has begun promoting special durian travel packages for the season that starts this month. Penang state exco for tourism Wong Hon Wai, who launched new durian tourism promotional brochures and travel packages yesterday, said they have started promoting these internationally. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement 'We are not only promoting this in Southeast Asia such as Singapore and Indonesia but also in China because many of them love durians,' he said at the launch. Wong said durians in China cost about RMB258 (RM150) per kilogram, which made Malaysia attractive for its cheaper fruits. The durian season in Penang this year starts in mid-May and will last till July and early August. 'Our newly updated Penang King of Fruits Durian Guide will feature information about the types of durians available and lists of durian stalls and orchards,' he said. The guide aims to inform visitors about the variety of durians, including popular types like Musang King and D24, and where to find them. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement There are 36 different durian travel deals for visitors this year that included hotel and durian buffet packages on both the island and Seberang Perai. 'We have also listed durian orchards on the mainland including those in Sungai Bakap and Bukit Mertajam,' he added. Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Hoteliers (MAH) Penang chairman Datuk Tony Goh said it is cheaper for visitors to sign up for hotel and durian packages during this season. 'Some hotels will partner with durian orchards that offer good packages so visitors who take up those packages will pay probably RM80 to RM100 less compared to going to the orchards on their own,' he said, indicating the cost savings for tourists. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The St Giles Wembley Hotel and the Cititel Express general manager said some hotels will offer lower room rates and package it with cheaper durian buffet prices. 'Like our hotels, we will bring them to the durian stalls we are partnering with for the durian buffet packages they signed up for,' he said. These packages directly benefit hotels through increased bookings and orchards through higher sales. Goh said last year, the promotional durian and travel packages were well received, especially by visitors from China and Singapore. 'We can expect an increase in room occupancy rates during this period of about four to five per cent,' he said. Information on the Penang durian travel deals are available here.
Malay Mail
06-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Penang hotels, orchards prepare for durian season amid tourism drive
GEORGE TOWN, May 7 — Penang is gearing up for its annual durian season, and hotels and durian orchards are ready to welcome a surge of durian lovers from across Malaysia, Singapore, and China. Although the durian season in Penang started late this year, Penang Global Tourism has begun promoting special durian travel packages for the season that starts this month. Penang state exco for tourism Wong Hon Wai, who launched new durian tourism promotional brochures and travel packages yesterday, said they have started promoting these internationally. 'We are not only promoting this in Southeast Asia such as Singapore and Indonesia but also in China because many of them love durians,' he said at the launch. Wong said durians in China cost about RMB258 (RM150) per kilogram, which made Malaysia attractive for its cheaper fruits. The durian season in Penang this year starts in mid-May and will last till July and early August. 'Our newly updated Penang King of Fruits Durian Guide will feature information about the types of durians available and lists of durian stalls and orchards,' he said. The guide aims to inform visitors about the variety of durians, including popular types like Musang King and D24, and where to find them. There are 36 different durian travel deals for visitors this year that included hotel and durian buffet packages on both the island and Seberang Perai. 'We have also listed durian orchards on the mainland including those in Sungai Bakap and Bukit Mertajam,' he added. Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Hoteliers (MAH) Penang chairman Datuk Tony Goh said it is cheaper for visitors to sign up for hotel and durian packages during this season. 'Some hotels will partner with durian orchards that offer good packages so visitors who take up those packages will pay probably RM80 to RM100 less compared to going to the orchards on their own,' he said, indicating the cost savings for tourists. The St Giles Wembley Hotel and the Cititel Express general manager said some hotels will offer lower room rates and package it with cheaper durian buffet prices. 'Like our hotels, we will bring them to the durian stalls we are partnering with for the durian buffet packages they signed up for,' he said. These packages directly benefit hotels through increased bookings and orchards through higher sales. Goh said last year, the promotional durian and travel packages were well received, especially by visitors from China and Singapore. 'We can expect an increase in room occupancy rates during this period of about four to five per cent,' he said. Information on the Penang durian travel deals are available here.
