Penang checks out Thai market

BANGKOK, 11 October 2012: Penang’s state tourism bureau, Penang Global Tourism, will promote the island destination to the Bangkok market as there are twice daily direct flights from the Thai capital. PGT managing director, Ooi Geok Ling, told TTR Weekly on the sidelines of a Penang-Product Update & Networking Session, late last week, that Thailand was now among the top 10 suppliers for Penang tourism. “Thailand is a potential market alongside Singapore and Indonesia in importance that we need to tap and promote to tour operators and travel agencies.” Georgetown “It is the bureau’s goal to establish a network with the local travel industry to promote Penang as the destination of choice for Thai travellers.” Thai tourists travel to Penang mainly from southern provinces by road and air. In the past it was a popular destination for English language education before international schools in Thailand were allowed to accept Thai students. The island had a short spell when it could attract travellers for its duty-free shopping. It also attracted British and Australian travellers due to its colonial ties and architecture. Expatriates working in Thailand visit the Thai embassy in Penang to renew their visas, but depending on which embassy in the region is being lenient even that trade varies. Penang has succeeded in the past as a host for major events and incentives, while it has established an international marathon that is on the Asian circuit for top runners. Cruise ships make Penang’s Georgetown a port of call, but the sightseeing takes half day and the ships move on. Beaches are not up to scratch when compared with Bali or Phuket, but they get by and resort hotels shifted their emphasis some years back from the traditional UK or German tour group marketss to ASEAN visitors, mainly families. The challenge for the bureau is to build awareness that Penang could be a good choice for a long weekend trip, or a break during shorter school holidays. Cost wise, the sums don’t work in favour of a tour that combines Penang and Kuala Lumpur. The fares are too high. Spare seat capacity on the Bangkok-Penang route keeps fares competitive and if a travel agency keeps the itinerary simple, Penang can be an affordable option for short break holidays. Regional airlines, especially low-costs, are the key factor that keeps Penang’s tourism ticking. “We have THAI Airways and AirAsia offering twice daily direct flights from Bangkok to Penang and from Samui Island and Phuket there are 14 flights services a week by Firefly, a subsidiary of Malaysian Airlines.” Georgetown, the state capital of Penang and Bangkok also signed a friendly cities Memorandum of Understanding last April to promote two-way tourism and co-operation. “It will encourage more collaboration between us and benefit our tourism industry.” Besides tourism, the agreement will encourage an exchange in education, culture, business, and investment. It includes urban development and historical assets conservation and will help to improve the overall quality of life for citizens. The bureau wants to see more direct flights from Chiang Mai. “However, it is difficult to achieve as we have no power to encourage airlines to open direct flights on any routes,” she admitted. Besides aviation, Thai tourists can visit Penang by joining a Star cruise direct from Phuket and Krabi. Penang receives around 6 million tourists a year mostly from neighbouring ASEAN countries. Sourced: ttrweekly