Penang, Malaysia – With the arrival of a 19-member delegation from the Sichuan Wedding Trade Association (SWTA) as part of the “Sichuan Province Wedding Counterparts to Penang” project, Penang’s wedding tourist industry made tremendous progress today. This event took place at St. Giles Wembley Penang, where attendees took part in a cultural exchange program meant to improve relations between the two areas.
In his welcome statement, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), YB Wong Hon Wai, emphasized the significance of this visit in light of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia. He emphasized how the tourism businesses of both countries have benefited immensely from this long-standing partnership, particularly in the newly emerging area of wedding tourism.
These 50 years of solid bilateral relations are especially significant for our travel and tourism sector, which includes the rapidly expanding wedding tourism market. In addition to honouring this momentous date, today’s celebration offers both nations a fantastic chance to strengthen their cultural, commercial, and travel ties, according to Wong.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Penang Wedding Professionals Association (PWPA) and the SWTA was a significant event highlight. This agreement is to develop business networking, encourage cross-cultural exchange, and raise Penang’s profile as one of China’s top wedding destinations. YB Wong commended the work of both organizations, pointing out that the PWPA has been working nonstop to promote Penang’s wedding tourism business internationally, while the SWTA has been developing platforms and integrating industries in Sichuan for the past eighteen years.
“Both associations have been instrumental in linking local vendors with international partners, positioning Penang as a leading wedding destination,” Wong stated.
The visiting Sichuan delegation is set to embark on a familiarization tour of Penang’s attractions, curated by Penang Global Tourism and the PWPA. This includes visits to Penang’s two UNESCO sites – George Town and the newly recognized Penang Hill UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Wong emphasized that the state’s unique blend of historic architecture, lush greenery, and scenic beaches makes it an ideal location for pre-wedding photoshoots and other romantic events.
Another positive development for Penang’s wedding tourism industry is the recent expansion of direct flights between China and Penang, which Wong believes will make the state more accessible to international visitors. “The increased connectivity will not only make it easier for tourists to explore our beautiful state but also open new possibilities for wedding tourism,” he said, encouraging local vendors to capitalize on this opportunity.
As the event concluded, Wong expressed optimism that this collaboration would yield fruitful results, fostering creativity and sparking new opportunities between Penang and Sichuan. “May it lead to new collaborations, strengthen the bonds between our two regions, and promote the growth and prosperity of our beloved Penang,” he said.
This visit and the MoU represent a key effort in promoting Penang as a go-to destination for weddings, pre-wedding photoshoots, and honeymoons, particularly for the Chinese market.
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