Wooing Taiwan tourists

Wooing Taiwan tourists

THOUGH Taiwan is among the most popular travel destinations for Penangites, its holidaymakers have yet to put Penang on their radar when seeking a vacation destination. But all that is about to change.

A dozen travel industry and media personnel from Taiwan arrived in Penang on Monday for a four-day visit, and were given an exclusive tour of Penang’s unique attractions to allow them to better promote the island back home.

The event was organised by the Penang Municipal Council, which is a member of the Tourism Promotion Organisation for Asia-Pacific Cities, and supported by the state government.

Local travel advisor Chin Poh-Chin took the group to places like the Kuan Yin Temple, St George’s Church, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Kapitan Keling Mosque along Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling — better known as the Street of Harmony — in the George Town Heritage City Tour on trishaws yesterday.

“They remarked that not many in Taiwan know of Penang’s attractions. Thus, we want to show them as much as possible, from culture and heritage to shopping malls, as we need to appeal to young travellers too.

“Kuala Lumpur is quite popular, so now it’s time to push Penang instead,” she said, adding that the move would benefit the local tourism industry.

Chin felt there would be no language bar-riers in Penang as the Taiwanese were conversant in Mandarin and Hokkien.

In addition, with the scheduled signing of a friendly-city memorandum of understanding between George Town and Taipei on March 28, this augurs well for travel and tourism.

Alvin Wen, a China Airlines representative from its Taipei office who was among the group, said he had learnt a lot from the visit and once back home, would discuss how to package and promote Penang’s offerings.

“It’s unique with a blend of so many cultures together. We’re quite confident there would be a market for it,” he said.

Travel agent Elaine Liu loved the experience and described Penang as “amazing”.

“Coming here, I can see a lot of things that you can’t find in Taiwan. The multi-cultural aspect is very unique,” she added.

The group is scheduled to visit various places of interest before leaving for home tomorrow.

-News courtesy of The Star-