GEORGE TOWN, March 1 – The Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE) YB Yeoh Soon Hin pointed out that he is keen to collaborate with the Penang Tourist Guides Association (PTGA) for a long period of time to provide free guided tours of Penang during weekends to illuminate on the history and culture of Penang’s attractions on foot. Yeoh believes that the tour guides are not just ambassadors for tourism destinations, they are more like the city’s walking dictionary.
They explain local customs, temple structure details, and local culture and history, and contribute to the enrichment of the overall experience of Penang tourism. The participants of the free guided tours can gain numerous benefits, and even get to learn the interesting facts and origins of certain travel spots from our tour guides said Yeoh after showing his support by attending PTGA’s free guided tours. This morning’s free guided tour was divided into two groups, Chinese and English. In addition to local people signing up to participate, tourists from South Africa, Europe and the United State are seen to be interested to join as well.
Yeoh is content to collaborate with PTGA to hold walking guided tours for many years to come. As the theme of International Tourist Guide Day 2023 is ‘Rethinking Tourism; Regenerating Our Profession’, Yeoh said that he hopes that walking tours can be further expanded to areas outside George Town, including the opposite side of the island, Seberang Perai. Through the enrichment of little-known stories, we can gain an advantage in the international tourism market, attracting tourists to come for sightseeing.
At the same time allowing people to discover the beauty of Penang through the spoken words of our tour guides.” He also thanked Clement Liang, the president of PTGA and his team for their efforts in collaborating with the state government to promote the tourism industry of Penang.
