KEPALA BATAS, Dec 14: Tourism Malaysia launched the Penang and Kedah Archaeotourism and Geotourism Package today to promote the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) world heritage sites as well as other archaeological and geological tourist attractions in the state.
Its Package Development Division director Mohd Roslan Abdullah said the special interest tourism segment offered 52 packages with the cooperation of tourism operators, including visits to the Bujang Valley and Sungai Batu archaeological sites, the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site , the Jerai Geopark and Sungai Merbok.
“These packages were developed following product workshops and visits held from Aug 5 to 9 with the cooperation of the Sungai Petani Municipal Council, the North Corridor Economic Region (NCER), archaeologists and geologists, tourism product owners and operators in Penang and Kedah.
“The five most popular packages on offer are the Jerai Geopark Heritage Trail, The Lost Ancient City – Kedah Tua, Archaeology Eco Cycling Experience, Penang Heritage Tour and Merbok River Historical & Mangrove River Cruise,” he said at the launch here today, adding that tourists would not just visit the sites but would be able to experience excavation work, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and appreciate Malaysia’s cultural heritage.
As of September 2023, Malaysia has recorded 14.5 million foreign arrivals to the country, with RM49 billion from tourism-related receipts, he said, as he expressed hope that the packages would encourage more domestic tourism and boost the number of international arrivals.
Mohd Roslan added that Tourism Malaysia representatives abroad would help promote the packages, which are available on the website www.malaysia.travel, with the help of tourism operators there to attract more international visitors.
— BERNAMA