Travel guide boost for Penang

GEORGE TOWN: Penang expects a boost in tourism next year after George Town was named the fourth most charismatic city in the world by travel guide publisher Lonely Planet.

State tourism committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said this accolade will serve to boost the city’s image as a tourist destination.

Describing the achievement as something to be proud of, he said George Town is famous for its heritage enclaves.

“Penang is famous for its food, culture and heritage,” he told theSun.

Concurring with him was state Gerakan secretary Oh Tong Keong, who said the accolade would make the city famous and contribute positively to the economy.

Other cities in the top 10 list are Quito, Dublin, Rotterdam, Mumbai, Fremantle, Manchester, Nashville and Rome.

Lonely Planet, the largest travel guide book publisher in the world said George Town might be widely known for its Unesco World Heritage-listed streetscape, but of late it’s also emerged as the crucible of an artsy, modern Malaysia.

“You’re likely to find funky street art amid the traditional Chinese shophouses these days, and versatile exhibition spaces showcasing avant garde art, film, music and dance springing up left and right.

“Throw in a few boutique guest houses and you’ve got a recipe for one of Asia’s most inventive and diverse arts communities.”

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng earlier said it was very interesting that George Town made the top 10 list sharing the honour with cities like Rotterdam, Mumbai, Manchester and Rome. – by Edmund Lee