Based on the Tourism Malaysia 2009 Tourist Arrivals Statistics, Penang is ranked third place for tourism destination in Malaysia, after Kuala Lumpur and Pahang (Genting) said Danny Law Heng Kiang, Penang State EXCO for Tourism Development & Culture.
In reply to Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen's statement yesterday that Malacca has overtaken Penang as a tourism destination, the figure given in the statement that Malacca had a tourist arrival of 8.9mil in 2009 may be a mistake. In fact, in 2009 and the first quarter of 2010, Malacca had maintained position at sixth place while Penang is third after raising one spot above Sabah in ranking with last year's figure of 5.9mil in tourist arrivals
"According to 2009 tourist arrivals statistics we have obtained from Tourism Malaysia and as shown on their website, the figure of tourist arrivals for Malacca in 2009 is 3.75mil. Perhaps the figures provided by the officers for that statement were incorrect."
He also said that there should not be any competition for tourist arrivals among states as they should be promoting Malaysia as a whole. As in order to attract long haul travellers, usually Westeners tend to come to South-East Asia and not only visit one country but make multi-destination travels to different countries and cities. For example, they may fly first to Bangkok before proceeding to visit Langkawi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and finally, Singapore.
Also, it is most recent that the Penang State and the Tourism Ministry have worked together to promote Malaysia and Penang as a whole having recently participated in the Guangdong International Travel Exhibition in Guangzhou together from 25th till 28th September 2010 where Tourism Malaysia had set up the exhibition booths and Penang had brought along the State Cultural Dancers to hold traditional dance performances at the exhibition.
Even now, the State will be participating together with Tourism Malaysia at the World Travel Mart in London from 8th till 11th November 2010 to promote Malaysia.
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