Sabah, Penang to explore Friendship City initiative for tourism

 By Olivia Miwil - December 22, 2021 @ 5:30pm

Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE) Yeoh Soon Hin presenting a copy of the Penang Tourism Masterplan to Assistant Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai here. - Pic courtesy of SABAH TOURISM BOARD

PENANG: Sabah and Penang are looking into the possibility of establishing a Friendship City relationship to further promote the tourism industries in both states.

State Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the initiative is relevant and fitting as Sabah and Penang work towards rebuilding and strengthening their tourism sector.

"Given both states have busy international airports, such an exchange programme is a strategic approach to help bring in more domestic and international travellers while also increasing tourism receipts," he said in a statement.

Yesterday, Bangkuai and his entourage met with Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy (Petace) Exco, Yeoh Soon Hin.

During the meeting, they discussed the potential of establishing a Friendship City between Kota Kinabalu and George Town, among others.

Also present were Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chief marketing officer Tay Shu Lan, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang, and Petace coordinating officer Grace Teoh.

Sabah and Penang are well connected by air, with Air Asia operating double daily flights and Malaysia Airlines flying four times a week.

"Both states have distinct tourism offerings that we can help to promote among our people and travellers.

"While we welcome tourists into Sabah, we also encourage them to explore other parts of the country.

"Tourists visit Sabah to experience our unique culture, the islands' crystal clear waters, rich marine life, unspoiled nature, and endangered wildlife found only in Borneo.

"They can easily fly to Penang from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to experience its thriving arts scene, food, and culture, and then travel to other Malaysian states," Bangkuai explained.

He stated that the Friendship City initiative would improve tourism related collaborations, adding that a media familiarisation trip could be organised to help in the promotion of Sabah and Penang.

"I hope to meet with the Kota Kinabalu Mayor soon to discuss the proposal," said Bangkuai, who is also STB Chairman.