Although tourism has been the second largest revenue earner, after manufacturing sector, in Penang, the industry has been stagnant over the past decade, lagging behind other local tourist destinations in the country.

The state is not only way behind international tourist destinations like Hatyai, Phuket, Medan and Bali, but has also seen local destinations such as Langkawi, Malacca and Sarawak having either overtaken or on the verge of overtaking Penang as the most attractive tourist hub in Malaysia.

lim guan eng interview 290408 07 "The industry players are very much concerned about the tourism industry being stagnant over the past 10 years or so," said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today.

"It's a regression since other destinations have taken the lead to move forward while Penang had stayed put to its position," he added. He earlier held a briefing with industry players in his office today on the state's tourism status.

Representatives from Malaysian Travel and Tour Association (Matta), Association of Tourism Attractions Penang (Atap), Penang Tour Guides Association (PTGA), Penang Chefs Association (PCA), the Penang Chapter of Malaysian Association of Hoteliers (PMAH), Penang Tourism Centre (PTC) and various airlines held the 90-minute meeting with Lim to deliberate on pressing issues that needed to be resolved soon to rejuvenate and revitalise the tourism growth in Penang.

No clean beaches

Among the main grouses lamented by industry players as attributes to the downslide of Penang tourism sector over the years were lack of tourism attractions, poor facilities in Bayan Lepas International Airport, lack of nightly life in George Town, which has earned a nasty nickname of 'Ghost City' and lack of clean and free beaches.

Realising that the state government has a huge task ahead, Lim said his administration would initiate all necessary proactive steps to restore Penang's attractions as the main tourists spot in the country.

Among the steps taken so far included the forming of the Penang Tourism Council to be headed by Lim himself. The council will function as an one-stop agency to deliberate and formulate action plans, long term policies and initiatives to revive the stagnant industry.

"I will chair the council to show to the industry players that the state government is proactive to promote tourism," said the chief minister.

State executive councillor Danny Law Heng Kiang, who handles the state Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage portfolios, will assist Lim in the council.

The council will also house representatives from all sections of the industry including from tourism section of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and InvestPenang, and function as an one-stop state authority to resolve all pertaining tourism issues.

Casting aside political vendetta

One contentious issue that needed to be resolved soon is the state-federal ties, which has depreciated since the DAP-led Pakatan Rakyat coalition stormed to power two months ago.

Lim also also determined to get the things right and the priorities correct by meeting up with Tourism Minister Azalina Othman Said, who recently severed the link between the federal funded Penang Tourism Action Council (Petac) with the state government by cancelling the memorandum of understanding signed in 2001.

The federal government has also cancelled or diverted funds that can be used to stimulate tourism growth and to carry out major tourism programmes in the state, such as the International Dragon Boat Festival, Lantern Festival, Penang Bridge Run and World Music Festival. Over the years, Petac had been organising these events.

He added that he would use the present parliamentary session to discuss with Azalina on the matter and enhance cooperation.

"The federal government should comprehend the fact that it would be a lose-lose situation for both parties if our working ties are severed and vice-versa," said Lim, arguing that rational thinking should prevail over political vendetta.

A strong federal-state tie, he said, would not only benefit Penang but also the country.

"We are matured leaders. I am sure we can work things out for mutual benefits," he said.