George Town Fest goes online from July 4
GEORGE TOWN: The George Town Festival (GTF) will be held online from July 4 to 19 to observe the new norm during the recovery phase of the Movement Control Order (RMCO).
Penang Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the digital festival would present showcases, talks and workshops, along with a post-GTF bonus screening on July 26 related to visual art, theatre, music, dance and film.
“The digitalisation of arts and culture is one of the Penang government’s effort to assist industry players to face the new norm.
“Everyone has to prepare for and embrace the new norm postCovid-19, including the arts and culture industry,” he said yesterday.
He said nine programmes would be curated into this year’s festival and would be accessible by tablet, smartphone or laptop.
This year’s theme is “Everyone Everywhere”.
Yeoh said the state government would continue to make arts accessible to everyone, while reinventing the festival experience to create a never-before-seen virtual experience.
For more details regarding GTF, the public can log on to https:// www.facebook.com/ GeorgeTownFestival.
Association of Tourism Attractions Penang chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng said Penang had been witnessing a gradual increase of visitors ever since the federal government lifted the ban on interstate travelling.
“For the past weekends, we have seen a gradual average growth to 50 per cent (of outstation visitors) to Penang,” he said yesterday.
With the ban on interstate travelling lifted, he said Malaysians should seize the opportunity to visit the attractions in Penang, as well as deals and packages offered.
“It will support our tourism industry and boost the state’s economy,” he added.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang Chapter chairman Khoo Boo Lim said the hotel occupancy rate in Penang had seen a significant growth during the RMCO.
The state government and Penang Global Tourism earlier launched the “JOM! Experience Penang” campaign at St. Giles Wembley.
Yeoh said the campaign would feature the best hotel and deals.
He said a website called penangtraveldeals.com had been launched to serve as a platform for hotels and attractions in Penang to advertise promotions.