malaysiangGEORGE TOWN, The Penang state government once again reaffirmed its commitment to promote the state as a leading cultural tourism destination through home-grown art festivals aimed at drawing in global travellers.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said that the state’s vibrant culture reflects its multiculturalism, and the state has a reputation of being where diverse cultures coexist and blend together seamlessly.
‘The local heritage of Penang is rich with influences from around the world, making it an international city that attracts people from all walks of life.
‘A variety of cultural events have been scheduled for the next four months in Penang island and mainland, including the Penang Yasokoi Parade in Karpal Singh Drive which will take place on Sept 14 and Butterworth Fringe Festival on Sept 14 to 15 at Padang Pemuda Merdeka, Butterworth,’ he said during the media conference for the Penang Yasokoi Parade here today.
He pointed out that Penang was home for many Japa
nese expatriates and Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) pass holders and that over 100 Japanese companies have their presence in the state.
“We believes that the Penang Yosakoi Parade is the biggest Yosakoi event in Southeast Asia and is not only enrich cultural landscape but also enhance Penang’s reputation as an international city where cultures converge and thrive,” he said, explaining that Yosakoi, being a modern street dance event that invites a contemporary interpretation of Japanese culture, allows it to merge seamlessly with local Malaysian heritage.
Wong also said that the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta would return this year at Teluk Bahang Dam from Nov 23 to 24, with over 60 teams, including from China, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Australia, Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines and Chinese Taipei, expressing their interest in participating.
He also said that foreign tourist arrivals to Penang have risen in the first three months this year compared to
the same period in the previous year, with a 370.22 per cent increase in Chinese tourists (4,746 in 2023, 22,420 in 2024), a 30.44 per cent increase in Indonesia tourists (75,141 in 2023, 98,013 in 2024) and 47.7 per cent rise in Japanese tourists.
Tourist arrivals from other countries like Singapore, Thailand, UK rose by 75 per cent, he added.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
