SINGAPORE, October 27 – YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang’s Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), unveiled an exciting bus wrap campaign in Singapore on October 24, 2023. This launch coincided with his leadership of the Penang delegation at the ITB Travel Fair in Singapore, where Penang also hosted a pavilion. The campaign aims to harness shifting commuting trends in Singapore, with more residents and expatriates embracing public transportation, to promote Penang as a top travel destination for Singaporeans.
Singapore’s Department of Statistics (DOS) recently revealed data indicating a growing preference for public transportation among local residents, permanent residents, and expatriates for their daily commutes. This shift underscores the importance of public transportation and its environmental implications. Penang, as a favored travel destination for Singaporeans, recognized an opportunity and initiated a bus wrap campaign in response. Public transport plays a significant role in Singapore’s daily life, with an annual ridership of 226 million passenger journeys on trains and buses.
Penang, a priority market for Singapore, sees the campaign as a strategic step to solidify its status as a preferred year-round holiday destination for Singaporeans, as well as a prime location for promotions targeting both locals and tourists in the city. The campaign utilizes double-decker buses that traverse key areas within Singapore, effectively transforming these vehicles into mobile canvases that display Penang’s unique charm and tourism offerings. The initiative seeks to raise awareness and enhance Penang’s brand through a diverse array of tourism products.
The bus wrap provides travelers with a glimpse into the “6 latest ways” to rediscover Penang, showcasing “The Opposite” and “The Other Side of the island” in Teluk Bahang. It prominently features the 2023 Michelin Guide, highlighting 46 exceptional establishments in Penang. These features aim to elevate Penang’s reputation as an enticing travel destination. Penang is distinctive as the sole state in the Malaysian peninsula to hold two UNESCO accolades: the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Penang Hill UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In recent years, it has gained recognition for its themed museums and the innovative Entopia, the world’s first tropical butterfly and insect sanctuary, contributing significantly to its appeal among tourists.
Exploring these themed museums and the Entopia provides an enjoyable and educational experience for tourists and nature enthusiasts visiting Penang. The state offers a wide range of attractions, from historical sites to natural beauty and cultural experiences, making it an all-encompassing destination for travelers. As Penang continues to captivate travelers with its rich culture, historical heritage, and diverse attractions, the bus wrap campaign is expected to bolster tourism between Singapore and Penang. With 105 flights connecting the two regions each week through AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Firefly, Scoot, and Jetstar, Penang is now more accessible than ever.
