Penang pushes for 2027 budget support to expand high-value tourism and heritage preservation

Wong Hon Wai, chair of Penang's Tourism and Creative Economy Committee, urged the federal government to include several tourism-boosting measures in the 2027 Budget. The proposal calls for an international air connectivity fund with matching grants to secure new direct routes to strategic markets, leveraging the Penang International Airport expansion slated for completion in June 2028. He also asked for increased federal matching to fund bids for international conferences, exhibitions, sporting events, festivals and large-scale arts projects, noting that business events generated significant economic activity last year.

A further recommendation is the creation of a UNESCO George Town Conservation and Regeneration Fund to maintain heritage structures, improve public spaces and sustain traditional businesses and artisans. Wong emphasized shifting focus from visitor numbers to high-value tourism after Visit Malaysia 2026 and requested continuation of the 100% tourism tax allocation to the state for the next year.