United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Malaysia drives MICE, medical tourism in Penang
New government initiatives are set to boost Penang as a regional transport and tourism hub.
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has unveiled details of several projects intended to turn Penang into the “Gateway to the Northern Corridor”.
The major project will transform the site of the Penang Turf Club in Georgetown into a MICE enclave.
Together with an international exhibition and conference centre, the project will also include shopping complexes, two five-star hotels, commercial and residential properties, a state-of-the-art cultural centre and a 10.5ha park.
Other projects include a 23km long second bridge link to the mainland. Construction of the longest bridge in South-East Asia is expected to start in November and be completed in 2011.
China will provide a US$800m loan to the project, the largest amount given by China for a single project in a foreign country.
Penang is also being primed for medical tourism. A 362ha island off the east coast of Penang will be developed into a premier medical tourism centre for the region.
Chitra Mogul
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
Royal Caribbean issues Legionnaires’ disease warning
Qatar Airways adding Manchester flights
Jet2 unveils Samos as new Greek destination for summer 2026
EU entry-exit system delayed again
ATC strike in Greece could disrupt flights this week