KEPALA BATAS, December 15 – Tourism Malaysia unveiled the Archaeotourism & Geotourism Packages for the states of Penang and Kedah to promote archaeological, geological, and UNESCO World Heritage site tourism products. A total of 52 tourism packages have been developed in collaboration with 14 tourism operators in the Northern and Central Regions, offering visits to archaeological sites such as Lembah Bujang and Sungai Batu, the UNESCO World Heritage site George Town, Jerai Geopark, and Sungai Merbok.
The packages include offerings like the Jerai Geopark Heritage Trail, The Lost Ancient City – Kedah Tua, Archaeology Eco Cycling Experience, Penang Heritage Tour, Merbok River Historical & Mangrove River Cruise, Mount Jerai Guided Tour, and Iron of Ancient Kedah to the World- The Untold Story 788 BC. Mohd Roslan Abdullah, Director of Tourism Malaysia’s Package Development Division, expressed hope that these packages would promote the unique archaeological, geopark, and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Penang and Kedah to both local and international tourists.
He added, “In addition, the development of these packages can contribute to efforts in preserving local heritage, history, and culture, diversifying economic activities, and engaging the local community, thereby generating income for them. The development of these tourism packages is also part of Tourism Malaysia’s efforts to diversify tourism destination choices in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026.” The development of the Archaeotourism & Geotourism Packages for Penang and Kedah follows a 5-day workshop and product visits held from August 5 to 9, 2023.
The event, in collaboration with the Sungai Petani Municipal Council, Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), archaeology and geology experts, tourism product owners, and tourism industry enthusiasts in Penang and Kedah, provided valuable insights into the tourism potential of archaeological sites, geoparks, and the UNESCO World Heritage site George Town, along with the surrounding attractive tourism products. All tourism packages are detailed in a brochure titled “Archaeotourism & Geotourism Packages for Penang and Kedah,” now available on the Tourism Malaysia website at www.malaysia.travel.
