Tourism malaysia: Tourism Malaysia is set to organise a familiarisation trip for inbound agents based in Penang to explore key attractions in Kedah, aiming to create joint Penang-Kedah tour packages for international visitors.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Northern Region director Abdul Hadi Che Man stated that this initiative seeks to capitalise on the consistent influx of foreign visitors arriving via Penang International Airport (LTAPP), many of whom travel to other destinations in the north. The plan involves introducing agents who cater to major markets like China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong to Kedah's tourism offerings, which can then be integrated into combined travel itineraries.
"We're looking at offering packages that blend the best of Penang and Kedah. With the agents onboard, we hope to drive tourist spillover into Kedah and boost its local tourism industry," Abdul Hadi explained. He emphasized LTAPP's role as the primary northern gateway, handling 55 international and over 30 domestic flights daily, with over 8 million passenger movements recorded last year alone. The discussion took place after the Kedah Tourism B2B programme, attended by Kedah Tourism general manager Mohd Zaidy Omar.
Abdul Hadi highlighted that Kedah's tourism products will include attractions such as Gunung Jerai, Pulau Songsong, mangrove cruises along Sungai Merbok, Ulu Legong Hot Springs, Gua Sireh in Baling, and the newer attractions in Sik like Kasa Kanda, Rock Village, and the Sik coffee plantation. These eco-tourism offerings are expected to appeal particularly to visitors from Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan, markets that are in search of nature experiences not commonly found in urban environments.
Mohd Zaidy mentioned that Kedah Tourism is intensifying efforts to promote new mainland destinations beyond Langkawi, aligning with the state's objectives for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. He pointed out that Kedah is abundant in nature-based, geo-tourism, and eco-tourism products, which have strong potential to attract both domestic and international tourists.
Through collaboration with tourism stakeholders from Kedah, Penang, and Perak, destinations like Gunung Jerai, Sungai Merbok, Pulau Songsong, white water rafting in Kulim, and Ulu Legong Hot Springs are being promoted to create more varied tour packages. Mohd Zaidy also reported that Kedah welcomed over nine million tourists last year, with more than 7.1 million domestic visitors and over 2.2 million international tourists. Langkawi is targeting over three million arrivals this year.
The B2B programme aims to connect 40 representatives from 30 Kedah tourism companies with nearly 100 buyers from Penang and Perak. This initiative is expected to bolster cross-state cooperation and enhance the marketing of mainland Kedah's destinations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.