12 Penang Tourism Products Receive MyTQA Recognition

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- A total of 12 tourism products from various categories in Penang have received the Malaysia Tourism Quality Assurance (MyTQA) recognition, with the number of products expected to increase next year.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the 12 tourism products include Penang Hill, Queensbay Mall in Bayan Lepas, Kampung Agong in Penaga, Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm, Ghost Museum, Bertam Herbal Garden, The Gold Souq in Batu Feringghi and The Habitat Penang Hill.

“In addition, Sunway Carnival Mall, Magic World Museum, Straits and Oriental Museum, and The Top Komtar have also received the MyTQA recognition,” he told reporters after the MyTQA briefing programme and certificate of recognition presentation ceremony, as well as the presentation of the Malaysia homestay experience programme registration certificate for Penang here today.

The MyTQA programme is an initiative by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to improve services and the quality of facilities for tourism products in Malaysia.

At the same time, Wong said the state government encouraged entrepreneurs of tourism products in Penang to apply for the MyTQA recognition as it acknowledges quality tourism products and will enhance tourists’ confidence and experience.

He also said that the recognition serves as an acknowledgment of tourism products and gives exposure to industry players to prioritise the quality of services provided, as well as the need to upgrade tourism product facilities in Malaysia, including in the state.

“Indirectly, when tourism product operators receive the MyTQA recognition, they gain direct promotion for both domestic and international tourists as their products will be in MOTAC’s list,” he added.

Meanwhile, Penang MOTAC director Dr Annuar Mohamed said the state MOTAC will ensure at least three tourism products apply for the MyTQA recognition and they have already identified several tourism products to join the MyTQA programme.

He stated that participation in MyTQA is free of charge, and tourism operators will receive several advantages, including courses provided by MOTAC to ensure the quality of tourism products is consistently at the best level to meet the expectations of both domestic and international tourists.

“Each recognition is classified as either Platinum, Gold or Silver, based on guidelines, criteria, and evaluations conducted by the assessment panel,” he added.

-- BERNAMA