The Penang state government has welcomed the proposal to introduce a joint “Penang + Kedah” tourism package, describing it as a strategic initiative that could strengthen northern Malaysia’s tourism appeal by encouraging longer visitor stays and higher tourist spending.
Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai said the proposal, put forward by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), aligns with evolving global travel trends, where international tourists increasingly seek integrated travel experiences rather than destinations confined by state boundaries.
“International tourists no longer plan their journeys based on administrative borders. Instead, they prioritise a complete travel experience,” Wong said.
He noted that Penang and Kedah each offer distinct tourism attractions that complement one another, making a collaborative promotional strategy beneficial for both states.
“Penang and Kedah each possess unique tourism products. By working together in tourism promotion, both states can generate much greater synergy,” he said.
According to Wong, Penang’s tourism strengths include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, its internationally renowned food scene, medical tourism, the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector, as well as its growing creative economy.
Kedah, meanwhile, offers globally recognised attractions such as Langkawi, scenic natural landscapes, expansive paddy fields and a rich historical and cultural heritage.
Wong pointed out that both Penang and Langkawi recently received international recognition after being listed among the Travel + Leisure Asia-Pacific Luxury Awards 2026 for Best Islands, with Penang ranked fifth and Langkawi seventh.
“The recognition reflects the strong international competitiveness of Malaysia’s island tourism and provides a solid foundation for deeper collaboration between the two states,” he said.
Beyond leisure tourism, Wong said there is significant potential to develop archaeological and heritage tourism through a northern peninsula trail linking Kedah’s Bujang Valley Archaeological Site, Penang’s Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery and Perak’s Lenggong Valley Archaeological Heritage Site, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“Tourism is not a zero-sum game. Tourists who visit Penang are not excluding Kedah, and vice versa.
