Penang continues to develop as a premier destination for local and international visitors, both for its physical infrastructure and facilities, as well as its sun-kissed climate, rich heritage and celebrated food

The recent brouhaha over the tiger park issue in Penang illustrates the difficulties faced by the authorities to keep Penang’s tourism industry fresh. Tourism is a major sector for Penang and one which leverages on the state’s inherent natural charms, as well as capital input from state and private investment. It has been forecasted that Penang will receive 17.4 million tourist arrivals, for the period between 2008 and 2012, generating a total of RM55.6 billion in revenue and 150,000 jobs.

Haven for Healing Holiday-makers

Health tourism is a key sector in Penang. Already at the forefront of Malaysia’s medical tourism scene, the state is being promoted as a regional destination for foreigners seeking affordable cosmetic and elective surgery. According to a 2006 survey of medical tourism prices (data was compiled from 108 healthcare centres in 30 countries) by European Research Specialists for Treatment Abroad (www.treatmentabroad.net), a medical tourism website, a hip replacement operation that would cost 8,000 pounds in the UK would cost 2,205 pounds in Malaysia. Even with travel cost and a week at a hotel, the total cost would be 3,205 pounds – a 60 per cent saving compared to having the operation in Britain.

The state has more than 10 private hospitals and medical centres, an oncology hospital and at least three nursing schools. Among those recognised by the Ministry of Health for promoting health tourism, with high-quality and affordable specialist medical procedures, are the Gleneagles Medical Centre, the Penang Adventist Hospital and the Island Hospital.

The main markets for health tourism are nationals from Southeast Asia and the Middle East, although interest is growing among health travellers from the US and other Western countries. Medical tourists enjoy the security of undergoing surgical treatment in these state-of-the-art facilities, and undergoing anonymous peaceful recuperation in world-class resorts and health spas – with rich cuisine, great shopping and places of attraction all within easy access.

Home and Business Hub

Penang is also a central part of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, promoting Malaysia as a second home destination. Targeted at the UK, Japan, Australia and Southeast Asia among others, MM2H is promoting Penang’s alluring charms and unique attributes together with its state-of-the art infrastructure for business and other industries.

Another attractive facet is the state’s longstanding reputation as a premier MICE (Meetings, Conventions, Incentives and Exhibitions) hub. InvestPenang, the state’s main driver of investment and business growth, is working to get investors in to further develop MICE facilities on the island and Seberang Prai.

Many exhibitions and events are currently held at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA), a 25.74-acre site in Bayan Baru, a multipurpose venue offering state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities with technical expertise to boot. The spacious setting here comes in the form of an arena, aquatic centre, food court and car park complex. Aside from PISA, there are also a number of other comfortable and prestigious hotels for meetings, conventions and incentives.

Despite being a commercial hub, Penang still affords an easygoing lifestyle and an attractive fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and other cultures, from food to architecture, coupled with two centuries of documented history – something Penangites are justifiably proud of. Georgetown’s UNESCO World Heritage status has placed it on the same league as many of the world’s most important cultural and natural sites.

Perfect Site for Great Appetites

The food capital of Malaysia, recognised as having the best street food in Asia by TIME magazine in 2004 for its tasty and cheap fare, was selected by readers of The New York Times as the second best destination among “44 Places To Go in 2009”. The only other South-East Asian destination in the ranking is Phuket, which is in 15th place.

Besides the second spot in the overall readers’ ranking, Penang is also in the top 12 places in the frugal food categories (both readers’ and the paper’s recommendations). The key factors were its diverse, tasty and generally cheap food – with street food often costing as little as US$2 at places like Gurney Drive, Pulau Tikus, New Lane, Swatow Lane, Penang Road and Chulia Street, while fast food outlets and cafés are also easily found statewide, for those with less adventurous tastes.

Lush Greens for Golfers

One other primary element that the tourism authorities are marketing to both holiday-makers and business visitors, are Penang’s lush golf greens, designed to meet international standards. Among famous courses here are the Bukit Jambul Country Club, Bukit Jawi Golf Resort and Penang Golf Resort, affording visitors a rich golfing experience in sunny year-round tropical weather, within easy reach of the rest of their holiday or business trip.