Attracting eco-tourists

GEORGE TOWN: The new funicular trains at Penang Hill is expected to bring in 2.4 million tourists this year when it begins operations either late next month or early May. While those in the business community would want to cash in on Penang Hill since its a tourist destination, a hotel owner is hoping that the train ride would make people more environment conscious and appreciate the beauty of Penang Hill's flora and fauna.

Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat, who owns Hotel Bellevue on the hill, said making money is not his only goal. He said he would like to promote Penang Hill and attract quality tourists, who would appreciate the hill's natural beauty and diversity. "The Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) should get its act together to promote Penang Hill," said Lim, a botanic researcher. "It would be good if tourists can appreciate the natural beauty of Penang Hill." Lim said Bellevue would be happy to do its part to promote tourism on the hill. The hotel also has a ginger garden and aviary. There's a large collection of gingers, palms and exotic birds. The newly upgraded funicular train service, which cost RM73 million, is said to be the fastest in Southeast Asia with a speed of 10m per second. The Federal Government handed over the operations of the train to PHC, a body under the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), recently. 

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said Penang Hill's tourism development was in line with her parks and gardens concept and that the two new coaches will boost business in the area. A 200m-long canopy walk, a 1.6km-long Educational Nature Trail and a four-storey visitor centre are part of Penang Hill's phase one redevelopment project which costs RM4.5 million. While the expected economic growth gives hawkers, traders, food court operators and others in the tourism business much to hope for, Penang Hill Residents' Association chairman M. Arunasalam hopes the community at the hill station can benefit from the proposed developments.  Arunasalam said Penang Hill needs better roads, street lighting and more public phones to overcome problems of poor mobile phone reception, among others. "Poor street lighting has always been a problem. It takes the authorities an unusually long time to repair non-functioning lights despite complaints being lodged daily," he said. "With all these big plans in the pipeline, we hope things will change for the better as far as public amenities are concerned to make Penang Hill a top tourist attraction." He said residents are hoping to enjoy better business opportunities at Penang Hill as most of them are traders. "The people have high hopes and want to capitalise on it as Penang Hill can bring in tourists dollars."We could have more landscape gardens and even night tours, so tourists can enjoy the spectacular view of the city after sunset," said Arunasalam, who has been a resident of Penang Hill for over 60 years.
-NST Online.