Perfect trip for 4,000 from China

Hello Penang: Part of the Chinese tourists arriving
at the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas for their vacation.

GEORGE TOWN: Meng Chumai from Henan, China, has travelled to many countries in Asia but counts Malaysia as special.

“I have been with my company for 10 years, but I have always missed the trip here,” she said.

The 52-year-old said she had heard a lot about Penang, its people and food.

“I can sense it’s going to be a memorable trip,” she said shortly after arriving at the Penang International Airport yesterday.

Guo Limau, 35, also from Henan, is also on his first visit to Malaysia.

“Its my first incentive trip to Penang. I’m looking forward to cycling here and visiting the Botanical Gardens.

“I’ve heard a lot from my friends who came here last year,” he added.

The duo are among the first batch of 4,000 visitors who will be here on an incentive trip sponsored by Perfect (China) Co Ltd, a multi-level-marketing company founded by Malaysian Tan Sri Koo Yuen Kim.

This is the fourth consecutive year they are visiting Penang, but this is the largest batch.

A total of 80 guests arrived on the first flight in the morning with 1,120 touching down later in the day. Another group of 2,010 visitors will be here on July 10, and the rest later on.

Sunflower Holidays Sdn Bhd executive director Terry Lee, the operator of the tour group, said the visitors from China will be arriving in batches in 40 flights.

“We have prepared more than 120 tour buses to ferry them to various city and beach hotels,” he added. Lee said the visitors will take part in a cycling event and trishaw ride today at the Esplanade.

“They will then visit a hawker centre at the same venue where 40 different types of food will be served. “The Botanical Gardens tour is always an attraction,” said Lee.

The group is also expected to visit Istana Anak Bukit in Alor Setar. It is learnt that about 7,000 employees of the firm spent about RM322mil over just a week in Anaheim, southern California last May.

Lee said the group is expected to contribute over RM40mil to Penang’s tourism coffers this time. “Each of them will spend more than RM10,000 on transport, accommodation, meals and shopping,” he said.

-thestar online.